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Pratts Pointers 



..ON... 



COWS, SHEEP/ HOGS 



INCLUDING 

THEIR CARE, FEEDING, HOUSING 
AND DISEASES 

CONTAINING 

Valuable Information from Experienced Authorities 
Throughout the World. 

y PUBLISHED BY 

Pratt Food Company 

rianufacturers of 

PRATTS FOODS 

The Greatest Animal and Poultry Regulators Known. 

PHILADELPHIA, U. S. A. 




141898 



CHICAGO, U. S. A. 

2nd COPY, 

1898. 

TW- • IVED. 



\\1 II 



^ O Q O 



Copyright 1898 

BY 

Pratt Food Company 







cows 



PART I. 



PRATTS POINTERS 

ON 

THE COW 



DAIRY 
FARMING 



CHAPTER I. 

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS. 

In choosing a dairy farm, all necessary 
conditions for success in the business 
must be considered. It is an old saying 
that u the man makes the business," and this is partic- 
ularly true of the dairyman. He must be patient and 
persevering, regular in methods of business, and neat 
in his habits. Level soil, well watered, makes the best 
farm land for dairy purposes, and if it is not naturally 
drained, artificial means should be used. The means of 

(5) 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



getting to and from a city should be looked after, and 
it is well to locate as near to a railroad as possible. If 
there is a natural spring on the premises the milk 




PI,AN OF DAIRY FARM. 

house should be placed either over, or very near it. In 
the illustration we show you how a dairy farm may be 
conveniently laid out. 






STOCKING 

THE 

FARM 



Next in importance is, of course, a care- 
ful and judicious selection of the stock. 
These are to be the dairyman's tools, 
and he will naturally want those from which he can 
derive the most benefit. Farmers who breed their own 
cows get superior milkers at moderate cost, if care is 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 7 

taken to raise only the calves of good milkers, and if 
the bull belongs to a family that gives milk of excel- 
lent quality and quantity. 



The American cow is a descendant from 
many crossings, and in its veins is mixed 
blood impossible to name ; nevertheless, 
it is the most reliable foundation upon which the dairy- 



FORMING A 
HERD 




SHORT-HORN COW. 



man can form a good herd. The " Short-horn,' ' im- 
ported into America in the early part of this century, 



8 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



plainly shows in the native stock of the Middle States, 
while the blood of the "Devon" and "Ayrshire" shows 
in the breed down East. This may be accounted for by 
reason of the animals of this stock being better suited to 
thrive on the rough and poor pasture in that vicinity. 



BREEDS OF 
COWS 



The dairy farmer will naturally consider 
everything which contributes to the suc- 
cess of his undertaking, and a few words 




AYRSHIRE COW. 

as to the different breed of cows might be of some value 
to him at this time. The Short-horn, probably the most 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 9 

valuable to the dairyman, is a native of the North of 
England and has been raised there for some time past. 
When no longer profitable as a milk producer, it fattens 
quickly and makes good beef. 

Without underrating other breeds, the Ayrshire is 
often called " the model dairy cow," the milk being very 
rich in cream and easily turned into butter and cheese of 
choice quality. 

From about the same part of the world come three 
of the best breeds of cows. The Jersey, Alderney and 
Guernsey. They differ from each other only in size and 
color, all of them being noted for the rich quality of 
their milk. The Jersey was at first more of an orna- 
mental cow, but has since grown in favor with dairy- 
men. It is a beautiful creature, light fawn color mixed 
with white, and with the gentlest expression in the large 
soft eyes. The horns are fine, black in color and grace- 
fully curved, projecting over the forehead. (See illus- 
tration on back cover.) 

Many farmers who have very rich and beautiful pas- 
ture land are fond of the Holstein breed which comes 
from the northern part of Holland. They are splen- 
didly formed, and when no longer serviceable as milkers, 
they readily fatten and make excellent beef. (See illus- 
tration on front cover.) 



10 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

Holland also furnishes another breed, but one that is 
more popular. It is black with a broad belt of white 
entirely around the body, and hence it derives its name 
of Belted or Blanketed. They have been carefully 
bred and have gained a high reputation for milk and 
butter. 

The Swiss have become famous in connection with 
their dairy products, and quite naturally. Their cows 
are excellent producers of milk and butter. They are 
very domestic, docile and gentle, and a number of them 
imported into New England some years ago show that 
they are fitted for the climate of this country. They 
are now to be found in many other localities and are 
greatly valued. 

The Devon is the oldest race of cattle in existence, 
and year after year produces the same type. In color it 
is a rich dark red without other mixture. They are 
good dairy cows, the yield of milk and flavor of butter 
being unsurpassed. Devon beef is superior to any other ; 
is tender, sweet and with just enough fat to make it 
delicious. 

England furnishes a cow very much like the Devon, 
it being also red in color, but it is without horns, and 
this is considered a very desirable feature in dairy cattle. 
Their milk and quality of beef is excellent. 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 11 



HORNLESS 
COWS 



In this connection it might be well to 
say a word about this animal, as many 
persons hold different opinions. Horns 
prove dangerous weapons, and many accidents occur 
every year from the use of them by enraged animals. 
To avoid the possibility of this, the question of dis- 
horning calves when very young has been much agi- 
tated and to certain degree put in practice, sufficiently 
to prove that it can be done easily and without pain. 
These calves afterwards bred together will soon produce 
hornless stock, which in time will inherit polled heads 
without further effort. Although all these breeds have 
been mentioned for the benefit of dairymen, they as a 
rule give preference to the Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey 
and Guernsey. 

CHAPTER II. 

FOOD FOR THE COWS. 
If you expect a liberal product of milk, 
butter and cheese, quite naturally the 
cow must be given the food that is most 
suitable for this purpose . No matter how excellent her 
milking qualities, she cannot make up deficiencies aris- 
ing from improper feeding. How to derive the most 
profit from the smallest outlay is the most important 



THE DAIRY 
COW 



12 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

question with the dairyman, as it is with any other man 
in business. He should first supply the natural wants 
of the animal, and as much additional material as she 
can convert into milk and cream. Milk has the same 
composition as the animal, and contains every element 
to support her. Therefore, to feed the dairy cow to in- 
sure successful results, the farmer must exercise great 
care. Pratts Food will sustain bodily health and strength 
by regulating the bowels, blood and digestive organs ; it 
produces more milk and of a very rich quality. Many 
experienced farmers have long since acquainted them- 
selves with the important value of its use, and in conse- 
quence it is universally used by thousands of dairymen 
throughout the United States and many foreign countries. 



PROFITABLE 
CROPS 



Dairy stock must be fed properly, and to 
do this requires close study. Grass is the 
first and most important crop, as it is 
depended upon for summer pasture, and the meadows 
also supply hay for winter feeding. Timothy, red-top, 
and red clover are the varieties most used by American 
farmers. Hay, if properly cut in the first stages of 
blossoming, will keep all the sweetness and good quali- 
ties of fresh grass. Fodder-corn ranks next to grass, 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 13 

either when fed green or dried for winter use. Clover 
is third in value, and profitable, because if managed 
properly will grow for several years with one planting. 
Carrots, beets and parsnips are important as a root-crop 
for winter feeding. The wise farmer will grow his own 
fodder. 



VARIETY OF 
FOOD 



Oats, ground, are an expensive food, but if 
purchased at fairly reasonable prices, are 
profitable on account of the manure ele- 
ment they contain. Oats have, however, been largely 
rejected from the list of dairy goods, as it has been 
proved that the butter is light in color and inferior in 
quality. 

In America the usual and most-used food on the 
dairy farm is corn, but it gives the best results when fed 
in proper proportions with other foods. Unless given 
too freely, it never affects injuriously the milk glands, 
but it has been demonstrated that it is used with the 
most favorable influence when given in the form of 
fine bolted yellow meal. Hominy chops, wheat bran 
and husks of grain generally, while valuable for the 
nitrogen they contain and their profitable returns in 
manure, are so indigestible as to require great care in 
their use. 



14 PRATTS POINTERS ON COlVS t SHEEP AND HOGS 

Peas are milk-producing if used as food in connec- 
tion with corn meal and pasture. Furthermore, they 
are not only nutritious in themselves, but are an aid to 
digestion. Rice meal is a rich food, and most satisfac- 
tory results are obtained by feeding it. 



BREWERS' 
GRAINS 



Much has been said and written about 
this kind of food as being very objection- 
able for dairy cattle, and, therefore, bit- 
terly protested against. This is only true when used 
after fermentation has taken place, as it then influences 
the milk, giving it an unpleasant taste, which is also 
noticeable in the butter. When fresh and sweet, brewers' 
grains are a clean, wholesome food, producing milk in 
good quality and quantity. 



TEST FOR THE 

DIGESTIBILITY 

OF FOODS 



The digestibility of food measures its 
value, and this the intelligent farmer 
ascertains by certain reliable tests which 
he can use every bit as well as a scientist. First, as to 
the cream. Cream gauges set in a frame and the name 
of the cow written on a tablet just above each one, 
easily determines the richness of the milk. Once each 
week they are filled with the milk of the separate cows, 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 15 

and the amount of cream that rises, accurately decides 
the profit of one kind of feed over another. A butter 
test is also made by the use of the smallest-sized churn, 
the butter afterwards weighed and compared with quan- 
tity of milk given, and also, the record of the cream 
gauge of the especial cow. This determines without 
question the best food for the least cost, and hence the 
dairyman may know beforehand what rate of profit to 
expect from his labor and outlay. The dairy farm thus 
managed is not a business of chance, but of comparative 
certainty, as milk and butter are counted among life's 
necessities and always with good market value. The 
milk may be tested in this manner : A spring balance, 
commonly known as a weighing-hook, is put up in the 
cow stable, and upon this the pail is hung and the milk 
of each cow weighed separately. 

The weight is taken to the half-pound, which is 
near enough to be of practical service. This weight, 
after deducting the weight of the pail, is marked down 
on paper, and a careful count kept from week to week. 
This habit, if maintained, is a guide to show value of 
different foods, and also to show when anything is 
amiss with a particular cow. It is remarkable how uni- 
form the weight of milk from the same animal is, time 
after time, when regularly fed and managed. It may 



16 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

be well to mention that Pratts Food creates perfect 
digestion, and pays largely when fed constantly. 



SALT 



Farmers shonld consider the necessity of 
salt for the dairy cow, to make up that 
thrown off in the daily waste of the system. Chemistry 
teaches that an ounce and a half should be given every 
twenty-four hours in regular rations, mixed with each 
feed. While this is required for the animal's health and 
comfort, an excess of salt is bad. The barrel should 
never be left uncovered where it can be eaten in quantity. 



SPRINGS, 

WELLS AND 

CISTERNS 



CHAPTER III. 

WATER SUPPLY, CATTLE SHEDS, ETC. 

If a spring is not available, probably the 
safest water supply is a well, placed at a 
distance from the barnyard or stable. It 
should be furnished with a pump, and surrounded by a 
neat platform, and everything about it kept clean and 
free from impurities. Pure water is always needed in 
the dairy business, and to secure this should be a chief 
point when purchasing a farm for that purpose. It is 
most desirable to have a stream of water running through 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



17 



the pasture, and coming from a cold and permanent 
spring. If possible, it is best to own the source of the 
stream, so that it may be controlled and the water kept 
pure ; otherwise it will injure the health of the stock, 
or impart a bad taste to the milk. 

If neither a spring or small creek be on the premises, 
a very good substitute is a well-constructed rain-water 
cistern, an excellent form of which is here given. A 




WATER CISTERN. 

force pump is the most convenient attachment to a cis- 
tern, as by means of a hose-pipe water can be sent 
wherever needed, in any part of the yard or stable. A 
large amount of water is used in cleaning the pans, 
pails and other utensils required for the care of milk 



18 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



and butter-making. For this purpose a spring or well, 
either in or very near the milk house, will save time and 
labor and can be easily secured. 



DAIRY 
BUILDINGS 



The different buildings in connection 
with the dairy farm must be constructed 
with a view of deriving the greatest con- 
venience in carrying on the business and for the best 
care and comfort of the cows. Neatness, economy of 



CALF PENS 

X 

3 



FEEDING FLOOR 



T 



YARO 



TT 



Cows 



H 



FEEO TROUGH 



TtORO 



O wimp 



STABLE 

ETC. 



OUTER 
YARO 



\ 



SICK 
COWS 






STABLE, PEN AND YARD. 

room, and opportunity to pass readily from one building 
to another, are points important to consider when build- 
ing. We show you here a plan which invites these ad- 
vantages in an admirable manner. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



19 



STABLE 
FLOORS 



A suitable floor is essential, and if the 
stable is without a cellar underneath an 
earth floor is better than any other. If 
of good clay or gravel it will harden and become per- 
fectly solid and need no repairs. If the stable has a 
manure cellar under the entire building, the cellar floor 




PI,ANK fi,oor. 

should be of cement and the stable floor made of double 
plank. This should be laid with a gutter, emptied by 
trap doors, and the floor frequently scrubbed and given 
a coat of whitewash, to keep it sweet and clean. We 
here show you a good plank floor of this sort 



The yard should be large enough to give 
ample room for milking sheds, water 
troughs, fodder racks and pens. Half 
an acre affords comfortable accommodation for thirty 



YARD, COW 

STABLE AND 

SHED 



20 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

cows. No other animals should be permitted within the 
enclosure. The cow shed grows in favor with the 
dairyman, as it offers equal protection and comfort to 
animals, without the danger from fire and smoke suffo- 
cation attending the ordinary closed stable where hay is 
stored. Humanity is always on the lookout to make 
improvements for the care of dumb animals. In the 




cow shed. 

modern cow shed, cows are left loose in the stalls, except 
on occasions when they are fastened by rings screwed 
in the sides at convenient height. These stalls have a 
double door, the upper part left open when ventilation 
is necessary, and each has its individual feed trough. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



21 



Fresh pure milk, and plenty of cream, 
add greatly to good living, and are now 
counted among the luxuries of the table. 
To enjoy them at their best, experience teaches that it 



FAillLY 
COW 




HORSE AND COW STABLE AND POULTRY SHED. 

is necessary to keep a cow, unless very fortunately sit- 
uated in reference to milk supply. The stable can be 
comfortably located near a dwelling and yet not prove 



PIG 
PENS 




windows, 



Id 

D 

O 
X 

> 



D 
O 
P. 



NEST BOXES. 

n n n nn 



CHEAP STAI,!,. 



22 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



objectionable to the most particular housewife. The 
building can be ornamental and, to economize room, 
devoted to several purposes, a wood shed, garden tool 
closet, and even a milk room ; all under the same roof. 
A plan here given has a poultry annex and accommo- 
dates two horses in addition to the cow stable. 

A very cheap stable in connection with a summer 
home affords comfort and convenience at astonishingly 
small outlay, and can easily be constructed. 

In the West and South, where timber is abundant 
and cheap, the open cow shed is often seen. It has a 




OPEN COW SHED. 

tight roof with closed ends, forming a loft to store hay 
in, and affords shelter for feeding and milking in stormy 
weather. 



Milk is an absorbent, and unless the stable 
is kept free from bad odors, they will de- 
stroy the natural taste and sweetness of 
the milk and give an unpleasant flavor to the butter. 



CLEANLINESS 

ABOUT 
THE STABLE 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 23 

If the air of a stable is impure, the offensive matter is 
taken into the blood of the cow, and in this way poisons 
the source of the milk. To test this, strew the stable 
floor with onions, turnips, leeks or other strong-smelling 
vegetable growth, and it will very soon be detected in 
the milk. It is equally true that a green lawn and 
flowers with sweet scent around the stable will improve 
the flavor of milk and butter. This forms a picturesque 
feature of many English dairies, whose stalls are placed 
among grass and thickets of roses. The stable should 
be well aired and ventilated daily. A neat covering of 
leaves and cut straw on the floor, the gutter filled with 
fresh earth and freely dusted over with plaster. The 
use of a solution of copperas, mixed in a barrel of water, 
sprinkled freely from a watering-pot over the floor each 
morning after it has been swept, will sweeten the air and 
afford relief from flies. Afterward, the floor should be 
sprinkled with sand to prevent the cows from slipping 
while it is damp. If the stable windows be covered in 
summer with wire gauze to protect the animals from 
mosquitoes and troublesome insects in general, it will 
greatly add to the milk supply. Green slat blinds used 
to darken the windows will not interfere with proper 
ventilation if turned half-way open, and will also add 
to the advantage of the milk supply. 



24 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



BAD EFFECTS 

OP 

IMPURE AIR 



Impure air affects the health of animals 
as it does of persons, and it will be ob- 
served that sickness is much more fre- 
quent where it exists. This proves that the dairyman 
cannot be too particular in his surroundings, if he is to 
be successful. Perfect cleanliness must be observed in 
the smallest detail, not occasionally, but constantly and 
always. 



COMFORTABLE 

COWS ARB 

PROFITABLE 



Cows should be made comfortable, for if 
fretted and worried they yield less milk. 
A wide and easy door should be provided 
for them to pass in and out of the stable, and everything 
that tends to annoy them should be guarded against 
with extreme care. Kindness is all-important, and to 
kick, strike or yell at an animal is against the dairy- 
man's interest, and it will in every instance lessen the 
flow of milk. A prominent dairyman was asked ' ' how 
cows should be treated." His reply was forcible, by way 
of a lesson: "Cows should be treated with gentleness 
and with consideration for their comfort and your own 
profit." To obtain pure, sweet milk and choicest butter 
and cheese the cows must be thoroughly brushed and 
currycombed each day. They should be fastened at 
such a distance from each other that they cannot hook 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 25 

or crowd, and yet it is not wise to waste space. Cows 
should be stalled every night throughout the year — in 
winter for warmth and in summer to keep them cool 
and protected from flies and mosquitoes. 



DAILY 
DUTIES 



In summer the cows should be milked at 
five o'clock in the morning, then well 
watered and taken to pasture. They 
should be brought home between five and six o'clock 
in the evening, milked, watered, given a measure of 
Pratts Food and comfortably stabled for the night. In 
winter it is best to keep cows in the stable until midday 
and then turn them into the yard for fresh air and exer- 
cise until time for the evening milking. Never stint 
cows in food, as it is always best to give them all they 
will eat. It is unnecessary to state that striking matches, 
smoking, using kerosene lamps or candles should be for- 
bidden in the stable. Lanterns, filled with the safest 
oil, should be hung high out of reach of accident in 
doing the necessary work at night. These points, small 
in themselves, are really the corner-stone of the dairy- 
man's success, and only a fair trial will convince of 
their importance. 



BUTTER 

VALUE OF 

COWS 



26 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

CHAPTER IV. 

RAISING STOCK. 

As has been previously said, cows are the 
dairyman's instruments, and upon their 
excellence his success depends, and must 
be chosen for the amount and quality of their milk. If 
an animal yields only milk enough each day to produce 
one pound of butter, she is not worth as much as the cow 
that produces two pounds. A little thought will show 
that in the one case you care for and feed one cow to 
obtain two pounds of butter, while in the other you feed 
and care for two cows and get the same result. 



COST OP 

SUCCESSFUL 

BREEDING 



The practical dairyman understands the 
value of his stock, and wishes to increase 
rather than lessen it. As to breeding, a 
few simple facts may be given, which can be easily un- 
derstood. Different traits and qualities are transmitted 
to each generation. Breeders of fancy and pure breed 
stock claim that fancy stock only have this power of 
transmitting characteristics, and use this argument to 
maintain the high price of their cattle. This is not so, 
however, as all animals possess the same power, and 
whatever the breed, if the dairyman selects the best 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 27 

cows and mates them with a bull of pure breed, and con- 
tinues this course with the calves, he will find the result 
very satisfactory. The milking quality is the sole point 
the dairyman need consider ; he will experience loss if he 
attempts to compete with professionals in stock raising 
for market. The wise farmer will rear his own herd, and 
make it superior and valuable enough to repay him for all 
his care and trouble. If for any reason he sells any of his 
cattle, he will always sell the poor, and not the good ones. 



BREED 

DEPENDS J1UCH 

UPON FEED 



Feeding and training improves and in- 
creases the value of all animals, and none 
more so than dairy stock. The purer the 
breed, the more careful must be the treatment to keep it 
up to the standard. Inferior food and indifferent care, too 
often given to common stock, will very soon retrograde 
the finest pure breed. Pratts Food, properly used, will 
do more to improve the breed than anything known ; it 
makes healthy and contented cows, which in itself is 
the greatest known advantage in improving dairy cows. 



The most useful dairy cow should be 
known at a glance by a thorough dairy- 
man. He should know how important 
it is to select a good breed, and must not confine his 



CHOICE OF 
BREED 



28 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

choice to any particular one. The Short-horn or Hol- 
stein prove the most satisfactory in the production of 
milk and cream. For butter the Jersey and Ayrshire 
are the prime favorites. Dairymen usually prefer to 
purchase the bull when yet a calf, but to do this success- 
fully the pedigree should be known of the dam, and 
both the grand-dams should be inquired of in order to 
be certain that they were of the best milking quality. 



BREEDING 

PERIODS OF 

THE COW 



When the cow is about a year old, or at 
the latest, fourteen months, she com- 
mences to have what are called breeding 
periods. These occur about every twenty or twenty-one 
days. A cow carries her calf nine months, although 
this varies in exceptional cases, and is sometimes less 
and sometimes a longer period. In many instances it 
has been found that the male calf is carried for several 
days longer than the female. Jersey cows differ slightly 
in this respect, and have been frequently known to breed 
some months earlier than other breeds. 



The cow with a calf has a new demand 
upon her system, and this must be met 
by proper feeding. Pratts Food at this 
time is especially valuable. Her feed should be liberal 



FEEDING 
THE COW 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 29 

and of nutritious quality, but overfeeding is a mistake 
to be avoided. A calf partakes of the mother's life and 
disposition, and if she has any especial fault or tendency, 
this should, if possible, be prevented in the calf. The 
surest way to accomplish this is by liberal feeding and 
extreme kindness and tender care of the cow at this 
critical period. In this manner a calf can be easily 
made to inherit desirable traits, which in time will be- 
come natural and a marked characteristic. 



THE BULL 



The bull should not be put to too much 
use. This is especially so of a young 
bull. The second year he can generally be put to twice 
as much work as the first. It is better to charge more 
for outside service and admit only a few cows than to 
take a smaller price and be compelled to admit more. 
The owner of the cow will take better care of the calf 
he has to pay more for. A pen and yard adjoining the 
cow stable and barnyard should be provided for the bull, 
and when he is needed the cow should be led into this 
yard and securely fastened in one corner. The bull is 
then let out of the stall until he has accomplished his 
service. The cow is taken to a separate pen where a 
loose stall is provided for her, and afterwards she may 



30 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

be returned to the stable. The feeding of Pratts Food 
to bulls is more than repaid by the insurance of effective 
service and good health. 



THE BULL 

A DANGEROUS 

ANIMAL 



The dairyman should remember that a 
bull is always dangerous and never to be 
trusted. Although not to be treated 
cruelly, he must be kept in subjection, and at the first 
sign of disobedience conquered with a rawhide. A 
sight of this instrument of torture will soon become 
associated with remembrance of pain, and its use will be 
seldom required. The animal should never be petted or 
given the least freedom, however fine he may be or 
great the pride of his owner in his beauty or expense. 
Every year valuable lives are sacrificed from this foolish 
trifling with favorite bulls which are believed to be 
docile and under perfect control. 



REMOVING* THE 

CALF FRO/! 
THE riOTHER 



The most intelligent dairymen now de- 
cide that the calf should be taken away 
from its mother almost as soon as it is 
born. This makes the cow, within a few days, useful 
in the dairy and with abundant milk product that can 
be turned to profit in butter. The calf becomes fond of 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



31 



its keeper and exceedingly domestic and gentle, which 
are excellent traits for its future as a dairy cow. The 
cow is kept in a roomy box stall and well cared for until 
able to join the herd again. 



RAISING 
THE CALF 



The calf should be placed in a clean, dry 
pen (see illustration) and given the en- 
tire milk, warm from its mother, twice 
each day for four days, while from the first, Pratts Food 
should be fed to the calf in small doses. After that it 
can be given half skimmed and half fresh milk, as 

SLAT PARTITION 6FT.6Jn.HICH. 




SHELF FOR PAIL 



AISLE 

PEN FOR CALVES. 

cream and fat are not necessary for its early growth. A 
good frame of bones and healthy muscles can be supplied 
quite as well if the skimmed milk is given at a tempera- 
ture of eighty degrees. Three quarts in the morning 
and three quarts in the evening are sufficient at first ; 
but this amount must be gradually increased until at six 
months old it will consume (in addition to other food) 



32 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

six quarts at each feeding. In winter, after the first 
month, it may be given a little sweet early clover hay, 
and in the summer a small lot can be enclosed by a 
portable fence that can be moved to any suitable spot, 
where it can exercise its limbs and eat the fresh grass. 
When six or eight months old the young heifer takes 
her place in the cow stable, and is liberally fed with 
regular rations. She is growing, and needs food to aid 
her in the process; and even if she fattens, no harm will 
come from it, if she grows large and strong in propor- 
tion. The first lesson the little calf should be taught is 
affection for its keeper, and this can be done by petting 
and kindness. By this method of raising the calf, the 
mother forgets her young, and to both cow and calf it 
becomes the only way, and finally, like other habits, 
hereditary with the race. 



A MODEL 
CALF PEN 



The calf should be tied from the first, by 
a little leather strap around its neck, 
with a ring attached, to which a small 
rope is fastened by a snap hook, and this is attached to a 
larger ring in the side of the pen. On one side of the 
calf pen is a rack for hay, and outside, in front, a shelf 
where the pail is put with the milk. A slide door will 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS % SHEEP AND HOGS 33 

allow the calf to put its head through and drink, although 
so arranged that it cannot overturn the pail. Calves are 
very stupid, and while they cannot be trained by beating 
and force, they learn much from patience and gentleness. 



FOUR RULES 

TO BE 
OBSERVED 



CHAPTER V. 

MILK AND CREAM. 

The proper care of milk and cream for 
butter-making can be stated in four rules. 
First, the milk should be set in a per- 
fectly pure atmosphere and surroundings. Second, with 
a moderate circulation of moist air. Third, the tempera- 
ture should not exceed sixty degrees in summer, or fall 
below forty degrees in winter. Fourth, perfectly clean 
utensils, and not too much light, which, it is said, will 
take from the butter the deep, rich color that distinguishes 
the best quality. 



STRAINING 
THE HULK 



The milk should be strained with great 
care to prevent any speck of dust or 
chance hair remaining in the fluid. The 
milk should first pass through the fine lip-strainer of the 
pail, and afterwards through two fine wire gauze strain- 
ers. People are more particular about milk and butter 



34 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

than any other articles of food, and more easily dis- 
gusted if anything is discovered amiss with them, either 
in flavor or cleanliness. For this reason, many makers 
of choice, high-priced butter insist upon the extra pre- 
caution of straining the milk a third and last time 
through fine double muslin. While this is troublesome 
and requires time, and is often regarded as catering too 
much to unnecessary fancies of customers, it neverthe- 
less pays in reputation and profit to the dairyman in the 
end. 



VALUE OF 
TESTS 



The elements contained in cow's milk 
are sugar, caseine, salts, fat and water. 
Fat, which is the cream, varies in amount 
in the milk of different cows. This proves the value of 
tests, which will decide for the dairyman whether he 
has inferior cows in his herd, and if so, which they are, 
that he may dispose of them before he suffers loss of 
time and profit. Weighing the milk, examining the 
cream gauge and churning the cream of each cow 
separately will settle this important question without a 
doubt. The largest milker is by no means certain to be 
the producer of the most butter ; therefore, to decide 
the quality of the milk is even more necessary than its 
quantity. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 35 



METHODS 

OF 

SEPARATING 



Cream, being the fatty part of milk, will 
rise to the top more or less rapidly, 
according to the temperature and the 
manner in which it is set. There are three methods of 
separating the cream from the milk, and each farmer 
must decide which is best and most suited to the con- 
venience of his especial dairy. The deep pail system, 
used in Sweden and known as the u Schwartz method," 
has been a valuable assistance in butter-making of late 
years. The advantage claimed for this is that in the 
twenty inch deep pails, set in ice water at a temperature 
of forty-five degrees, the cream will rise in twelve hours, 
while the milk will remain sweet for seventy-two hours. 
The shallow pan system is almost universal in private 
farm dairies, and quite as good, without the expense of 
tank, ice, etc., which necessarily add much to the labor 
also. The airy, dry cellar or milk house with thick 
walls furnishes every facility for raising the cream in 
the simple old way, which, after all, seems easiest. 

The third method promises to work a revolution in 
dairy practice everywhere, and is already accepted by 
most creamers throughout the country. "The Cen- 
trifugal Creamer n is the remarkable invention of a 
Swede. It has been awarded medals by different 
societies of agriculture whenever exhibited. The in- 



36 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



ventor claims that the cream can be separated entirely 
from the milk as soon as it is drawn from the cow and 
sufficiently cooled ; that the quantity of butter is 
largely increased thereby, and the labor astonishingly 
reduced, because, as the milk is not set, the lifting and 
cleansing of pails, pans, etc., is done away with ; that 
the skimmed milk is perfectly sweet, and therefore can 
be used or sold for any desired purpose. The cream is 




CENTRIFUGAL CREAMER. 

put in bulk to ripen or sour just to the point fit for 
churning, and as it is separated in a perfectly pure con- 
dition, the flavor of the butter is said to be superior. 
This machine, when first brought into use, was very 
large and of two horse-power, but since then smaller 
ones have been made that can be worked by hand and 
suited to dairies where only twenty or thirty cows are 
kept. The dairyman who once sees it in operation 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP ANT> HOGS 37 



regards this creamer as an excellent investment, and 
quickly avails himself of its many advantages. 



THE niLK 
CELLAR 



Every house is supposed to be provided 
with a cellar, but most of them require 
very careful preparation before they are 
fit to receive milk. The milk cellar should be thoroughly 

I 



SUB CELUAft 



BENCH aA 



OUTSIDE MII,K HOUSE. 

cleansed, the walls treated to a heavy coat of white- 
wash, and a floor of smooth, hard cement laid. The 
windows must be protected by fine wire gauze, and 
every opportunity for free ventilation secured. The 
corners should have boxes filled with fresh lime, which 
must be frequently renewed to keep the cellar dry and 
sweet. Nothing by way of fruit or vegetables should 
be kept in a milk cellar, unless it is divided by a tight 
partition made from matched boards. An outside cellar, 



38 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



with sub-cellar, is possibly the best and most satisfactory 
plan for the shallow pan system, unless a regular milk 
house is erected. 



THE MILK 
HOUSE 



The most desirable milk house includes, 
not only a place to set the milk, but a 
room for skimming, churning and work- 
ing the butter, and still another for packing and cold 
storage. It can be built of either wood, stone, or brick, 
and if well arranged, be equally serviceable in whichever 
material used. Where stone is used, everything can be 



<Ts 




MII,K HOUSE. 

kept exquisitely clean by a constant flooding and wash- 
ing down. A running stream of cold spring water is of 
great value in the milk house, and can be brought from 
a distance in an underground pipe. Its outlet should 
be over a tank, reservoir, or large sink furnished with a 
waste pipe to carry off the water when used. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 39 



MILKING 



The cow is a nervous animal, easily 
frightened, and this state at once lessens 
both the quantity and quality of her 
milk. She must be milked gently and kindly, and with 
nothing to fret or disturb her during the process. If 
possible, the dairyman should divide his herd among the 
different milkers, so that the cow may be milked each 
time by the same person. Many farmers consider this 
a foolish whim, but good authority claims that in this 
way the animal becomes more docile and contented, and 
the milk product is larger. It is well known that cows 
are affectionate in their nature, and become attached to 
persons who milk them regularly and treat them kindly. 
Cows should be milked at intervals of twelve hours, as 
nearly as this can be conveniently managed, and either 
just before or after feeding ; to milk while feeding is 
troublesome to both cow and milker. Constant watch 
must be kept that by some sudden movement of her foot 
the cow does not overturn the pail. If this happened 
accidentally, she should not be scolded or punished 
for it. When flies are troublesome in summer, a sheet 
spread over the animal is a protection, and will pre- 
vent the constant switching of her tail and kicking of 
her feet. 



40 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

CHAPTER VI. 

DAIRY UTENSIIvS. 

The dairy business cannot be conducted success- 
fully by chance or guesswork, neither can mistakes or 
accidents be overlooked. For every failure somebody 
is at fault, and the cost and labor of butter-making is 
entirely too great to take any risks on the result. 

A dairyman should procure the best cows; those 
which have been well bred, fed and cared for, and in this 
way made comfortable and contented. After milking the 
cow and thoroughly straining the milk in the cleanest 
manner, the milk should be set in the pure atmosphere 
of the sweet, well-kept milk house or cellar. For deep 
setting^ the temperature should be kept at forty-five 
degrees, and at sixty or sixty-two for the shallow pan 
method. After about twenty-four hours, the cream 
should be removed from the deep pails, while the shallow 
pans should be allowed to stand about twelve hours 
longer. The cream thus obtained has become only 
slightly sour. Whenever you add fresh cream to the jar, 
the whole should be stirred, in order that it may ripen 
evenly. It is also well to state here, that every utensil 
used should be kept bright and clean by constant scrub- 
bing and scalding. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



41 



The most approved milking bucket is 
made of double plate tin, with a heavy 
galvanized ring around the bottom. The 
top of the pail should be with a rounded half cover to 



BEST DAIRY 
PAIL 




MILKING BUCKET. 



keep the dust out, and be finished with a strainer lip 
holding very fine wire gauze. 



DAIRY PAN 



The dairy pans in former use were with 
a seam around the bottom, which gave 
opportunity for the sour milk to collect, and unless re- 
moved with great care, injured the flavor of the butter. 
This is now entirely gotten rid of by the newer pressed 
seamless pan, which is easily cleaned and keep sweet. 



Among minor dairy appointments, is the 
simple and useful pail rack for sunning 
and drying the pails used in milking. 
Nothing sweetens utensils like this open-air process, for 



PAIL RACK 
PAN DRYER 



42 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

which our great-grandmothers availed themselves of the 
pickets of the garden fence. For shallow pans, is pre- 
sented a pan dryer, which is much the same thing as the 
rack for pails, allowing them to stand on the side, expos- 
ing both inner and outer surfaces to light and air. 



ROTATING 
SHELVES 



A very convenient arrangement for the 
shallow pan system, is a set of revolving 
shelves, circular in shape, and turning on 

pivots fastened in the floor, and again in the ceiling. 

These save many steps in putting in the filled pans, and 




REVOLVING SHEXVES. 

also in skimming the cream from them, as the person 
can stand in one place, and accomplish either by simply 
turning the shelves. 






PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 43 



THE PATENT 
CLOSET 



This is another patent accepted by dairy- 
men as especially adapted to the deep 
pail setting in a limited way. It has 

an ice chamber and drain, and is lined with zinc 

thronghont. 




PATENT CLOSET. 



CHURNING 



Churning is simply mechanical, and the 
way of turning cream into butter in the 
churn is too well understood by the practical dairyman 
to make it necessary to give it here in detail. It is more 
important to review the simple rules we have touched 
upon in the first part of this chapter, than to unneces- 
sarily say very much on this subject. 



44 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



CHURNS 



A word on this subject might be of value 
to the beginner, who has much to learn 
from the experience of others. Fortun- 
ately, the tedious up-and-down dasher churn is a thing 
of the past and no longer used by the progressive dairy- 
man. Many valuable patent churns are now presented, 




MOTION OF CHURNS. 

and all cover about the same ground in their motion and 
effect upon the cream. To more fully illustrate the 
motion of particular churns, see cut above, and it may be 
well to add that the bottoms of all improved churns are 
rounded, instead of square, making them much easier to 
clean. 



AN IDEAL 
DAIRY 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS y SHEEP AND HOGS 45 

CHAPTER VII. 

BUTTER, ICE SUPPLY, ETC. 
A famous butter-maker once said, that the 
secret by which she obtained the superior 
flavor of her butter, was neatness and 
plenty of fresh air — opportunities free to everyone. A 
very pretty picture is made by a perfectly appointed 
dairy ; for instance, a dairy surrounded by sweet green 
clover, and so clean, that a lady could go about it in a silk 
gown and lace cuffs. The milk house of stone, a clear 
spring bubbling close by the door, and sure to be cold on 
the hottest day. The pool inside, to hold on its stone 
slabs, earthen crocks covered with golden cream. A 
great bowl on the stone table holding the newly churned 
butter to be worked over in the early morning. Ivy and 
roses around the barred windows, through which creeps 
the cool air from clover-scented fields. In England the 
dairy business is often conducted by women, and yields 
generous returns for their industry and the money 
invested. 



It has been already shown that proper 
feeding and care of the cow, manage- 
ment of the milk, correct temperature in 
raising the cream, etc., are essential points to insure good 



nAKINd 

READY FOR THE 

MARKET 



46 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

butter. These influence its quality, texture, color and 
flavor, and not one of them can be disregarded, if a 
choice product is desired. When the " butter comes," 
a dairy term used to express its granulated state in the 
churn, it must go through several processes to make it 
fit for the market. The first and most important is to 
draw off the buttermilk, and pour cold water in the 
churn. By a few moves of the dasher, the butter can be 
washed free from every particle of buttermilk, which, 
if left, will be injurious to its flavor and prevent its 
keeping well. 



SALTING AND 
PACKING 



Butter, to keep sweet for months, must be 
properly salted, and this is a very particu- 
lar duty of the dairy, and to be done with 
skill and care. The salt must be pure, very fine, and 
used one ounce to the pound. This is worked in and left 
twenty-four hours, when the butter is drained from all 
surplus water and worked over again for packing. After 
the butter has been finally worked, it should be packed at 
once, as exposure to the air will injure its quality. If 
sent to market in fancy prints, it is best to wrap each 
one separately in paraffine paper and pack them in a tight 
box, to be shipped without delay. For family use, the 
five-pound pail of spruce or maple veneer is a favorite 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 47 

method with purchasers. It should have a cover and 
handle. The inside is coated with paraffine, making it 
air-tight, and when packed, a sheet of paraffine paper 
covers the top before the wood cover goes on. 

Butter pails and boxes should never be used for 
packing a second time, as they invariably give an un- 
pleasant flavor to the best product, and may, therefore, 
be given to the buyer, out and out. The farmer who 
wishes to secure fancy prices and establish a reputation 
for superior gilt-edged butter, will wisely avail himself 




PACKING BUCKET. 

of tasteful styles in putting it on the market. The neat, 
attractive package, containing a week's supply, often 
commands a dollar a pound, while in reality the quality 
may be no better than that sold at one-half the price. 
With some families, dainty appearance and the guarantee 
of a certain name, goes a long way, and the dairyman is 
fortunate who can gain and cater to this class of trade. 
June butter is better adapted to keep a longer time, than 
that made at any other season of the year. It should be 



48 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

well packed in air-tight firkins, tubs or pails and kept 
in the ordinary temperature of a good cool cellar or 
milk house. Cold storage is most effective, but to prove 
successful must be conducted by a person who under- 
stands the business. By use of ice, the temperature 
varies, and if it falls too low, and is raised to a higher 
degree, decomposition takes place in the butter, which 
cannot be restored to its former condition, and is very 
difficult to stop. Therefore, a low, even, natural temper- 
ature of a cool cellar or spring house, is much better and 
safer for purposes of the private dairy. 



The dairy business requires a supply of 
ice in summer, and the farmer will find 
an ice house an economy, and a necessary 
convenience, and not a difficult matter to build and fill. 



SUPPLY OF 
ICE 




FAMILY DAIRY ICE HOUSE. 



A pond of clean, pure water, from which to cut ice in 
winter, a well-built house to store it, and dry, clean saw- 



i 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 49 



dust to pack it in, are the only requirements for success. 
The house should be constructed with non-conducting 
walls, a dry foundation and plenty of ventilation in the 
roof. To describe the method of building in detail, is 
unnecessary, as it is already well known. The ice house 
for the family can be erected at greater or less expense. 
We submit an ice house which is inexpensive, but very 
pretty. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

CREAMERY — MILK DAIRY. 

There are two sorts of creameries, and 
either one of them is an advantage to a 
community where many cows are kept. 
The private creamery is the business of one man, who 



PRIVATE OR 

STOCK 
CREAflERIES 




MODERN CREAMERY. 



purchases the cream of his neighbors at a stated price, 
taking his own risk as to labor and profit ; the other is 



50 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



a joint-stock concern, the capital furnished by sale of 
shares. The stockholders govern the business, but 
employ persons competent to run it. The cream is 
bought from the farmers, who are glad to be relieved of 
the labor and care of butter-making. The butter product 
of a general creamery is usually superior in quality, as 
it is to the interest of the company to employ only experts 
in its manufacture. The illustration herewith shows a 
modern creamery. The creamery system is available 




FIRST FI,OOR OF CREAMERY. 

for the large, private dairy, but its greatest develop- 
ment is reached by a stock company. In this way the 
product of several hundred cows can be worked up, 
and fifty or more farmers become regular patrons. 
Deep setting requires least space, and is, therefore, the 
system generally selected for the creamery. That co- 
operation is economy, finds proof in the cost of a six 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



61 



hundred cow creamery, here given from actual esti- 
mate. The necessary apparatus, including complete 
appointments for the making of butter and cheese, to- 
gether with an eight horse-power boiler, can be erected 
from about $400 to $1,600. This affords capacity suffi- 
cient to make from eight to twelve hundred pounds of 
butter a day. 



THE MILK DAIRY. 

The cows most desirable for the milk 
dairy are the half-bred Short-horns, grade 
Holstein, or Ayrshires. The Short-horns 
fatten easily when they are no longer profitable in their 
yield of milk. The Holstein and the Ayrshires are 



BEST COWS 

FOR THE MILK 

DAIRY 




DAIRY BARN. 



good beef cattle. All three are excellent milkers, both 
in quality and quantity. A dairy barn, holding about 
two hundred cows is here presented. The daily rations 



52 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

to give to this number of cows are a half-bushel of fresh 
brewers' grains mixed with a portion of corn-meal, and 
in addition to this, six quarts of dry yellow corn-meal, 
with the usual quantity of Pratts Food, and as much hay 
as they wish to eat. When brewers' grains are not fed, 
the ration of corn-meal is increased to twelve quarts 
daily, with hay. Adjoining the stable, which is kept 
scrupulously clean, is a spring house, in which the milk 
is rapidly cooled and kept until time to ship it. In sum- 
mer the cows are pastured, but notwithstanding this, 
get their usual portion of corn-meal and Pratts Food. 
The principal crop fed is corn fodder, which is grown in 
long drills and carefully cultivated. 



WHAT THE 

niLK DAIRY/IAN 

nUST KNOW 



This business is disposing of the milk 
product to consumers, without further 
labor or expense in manufacture of butter 
and cheese. It is estimated that every family of five 
persons use at least one quart of milk a day, and at this 
rate more than a million cows would be required. Per- 
sons must fully understand the business of transporting 
and distributing milk to give it to customers in good 
condition. Three very important points are to be con- 
sidered : first, to produce an excellent quality of milk ; 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 53 

second, to practice the best methods of caring for it, and 
third, how to dispose of it at the largest profit, and also 
how to give satisfaction in its delivery to buyers. These 
are absolutely necessary for success in the business. 



COOLING 
THE MILK 



Cooling the milk properly, is of the 
utmost importance, and is more success- 
fully done by putting it at once in the 
cans and submerging them in a tank of cool water. 
Fifty degrees is about the right temperature, and, as 
with the butter dairy, neatness is absolutely essential in 
the care of milk for market. The morning milk is 
shipped at evening for early delivery next day, and the 
evening's milk is shipped at the same time, but not 
mixed in the cans. 



niLK ROUTE 
AND TRANS- 
PORTATION 



The cows are milked at five o'clock in the 
morning, and the milk is at once strained 
into twenty-quart cans and kept in a cool 
place until shipped. If sent in bulk, these cans are sent 
in a milk can box, which can be padded in winter to 
prevent freezing, and in summer a centre can of pounded 
ice put in with the milk. Bottling milk, is a neat and 
convenient way of serving it, and is very generally used 



54 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



on the best milk routes. The milk is strained, cooled 
and sealed tightly in glass cans, by means of rubber 




FOR SHIPPING MII,K. 

rings under the glass covers. Two excellent cans of this 
sort are here shown. Every milkman should have cards 





GI<ASS CANS. 

of direction printed, and supply them to each customer, 
and in this manner insure proper care of his product 
after it leaves his hands. The card generally reads as 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 55 

follows : ( c Keep this bottle in a cool place. When 
empty rinse in cold water, fill again with cold water and 
let stand until called for. ' ' This precaution protects the 
reputation of the milk, and doubly pays for the trouble 
and expense of the cards to the dairyman. This bottling 
system saves the milkman the trouble of measuring, as 
every can holds either a pint or quart exactly. It is a 
convenience to the customer, as the milk can be received 
without taking pitcher or pail when the milkman rings, 
and is temporarily safe from dust or disturbance if left 
before the household is yet stirring in the early morning. 



CHAPTER IX. 

DISEASED MILK. 

Milk is quickly affected by various diseases of the 
udder, and also by constitutional disturbances. These 
changes in milk are significant and not to be disregarded 
by the dairyman, who should at once inform himself of 
the cause, and how best to correct it. 



Excellent milk often has a bluish tint, 
but is a very different fluid from that 
watery, blue milk, which is regarded as a 
sure and distinctive symptom of the fatal disease called 



BLUE AND 

WATERY 

MILK 



5S PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

tuberculosis. It is infectious, and in every instance 
renders the milk unfit for food. The worst effects are 
produced upon persons using it, and to infants it proves 
a sure poison. The opinion of a skilled veterinarian 
should decide upon the condition of the milk and its 
probable cause, and if tuberculosis, the cow should be 
killed at once, and buried deep to avoid all danger in the 
future. 



MILK 
SICKNESS 



This is a disease that is very peculiar, in- 
asmuch as the infected cow does not 
suffer from it. Calves and persons using 
the milk, sicken and often die from slow poison in con- 
sequence. Male cattle will contract the sickness and die 
from it, while cows seem to escape all evil effects, the 
poison passing off in the milk. Many different theories 
are advanced as to the cause of milk sickness in certain 
localities, none of them accepted as thoroughly reliable. 
To avoid using milk, butter, cheese and meat from places 
where the disease is known to exist, seems the only sure 
protection. Bacteria, now charged with almost every 
evil, is credited with this also by eminent scientists. 
The treatment consists of stimulants and correctives 
wisely administered. Pratts Food is a mild stimulant, 
and is found in such cases to be most valuable. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP ANT) HOGS 57 



VICES OF 
COWS 



A cow properly treated from the first is 
always gentle and without troublesome 
habits. The dairyman who breeds his 
herd can control this, as no truer proverb exists than 
that many owners spoil the cow. The chief faults of 
the dairy cow are kicking, holding up her milk and self- 
sucking, all of them very provoking. Patience, kind- 
ness and a gentle but firm rule, is about the most effec- 
tive treatment by which these habits can be corrected. 
Kicking is probably the worst, because the most 
wasteful fault of the cow, and can most always be en- 
tirely cured by kind words and a little petting. If this 
does not answer, the milker must not lose patience, but 
try a sharp cut or two with a rawhide, which will teach 
a lasting lesson. In case it does not stop the habit, tie a 
rope in a slanting position all way around the body just 
in front of the udder and just in front of the tail. A 
cow tied this way will not kick. Holding up the milk 
seldom occurs with cows whose calves are removed at 
birth and brought up by hand, as is now the generally 
approved method in the best dairies. Many ways to 
overcome this habit have been tried, but none better 
than soothing words, petting and perseverance. If the 
case continues obstinate, refuge is found in the silver 
milking tube. 



58 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

The self-sucking cow is enough to try the tempei 
of anyone. It is a habit contracted at any age, old or 
young, and if not broken entirely, destroys the animal's 
usefulness as a dairy cow, and renders her an expense 
instead of a profit to her owner. When everything else 
fails, slitting the tongue at the end for about two inches 
makes the action of suction impossible. Cruel as this 
way seems, it proves about the only remedy after the 
habit is once firmly established. 



NOTE 



CHAPTER X. 

READ THIS CAREFULLY. 

In treating on diseases, we have endeav- 



ored in all cases to give in our judgment, 
the very best remedies, and where Pratts Food is named 
we consider it the best for the case, and in our actual 
practice we should use it and no other. 

At the same time, as this book is intended to be a 
standard work of general information upon cows, sheep 
and hogs, we specify other remedies in addition to Pratts 
Food, preferring to give other information in our pos- 
session, thereby allowing the reader the choice of 
remedies. 

We feel it advisable to specially call attention that 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 59 

Pratts Food is known as the greatest Animal Regulator 
of the present day. It is a strictly up-to-date article, 
and is used and endorsed by many thousands throughout 
the United States, Europe and other foreign countries. 

Every package is sold under our affidavit, guaran- 
teeing its freeness from poisons or other injurious in- 
gredients. It is pure and wholesome, and can be used 
without the least fear of bad results that often follow 
many condition powders and unreliable Foods. 

It controls and regulates the blood, bowels and di- 
gestive organs ; acts as a mild tonic and stimulant, and 
thereby cures and prevents the many diseases arising 
from these causes, and is used with greater success than 
any known preparation. 

Its composition is of roots, herbs and barks of the 
best quality only. It is manufactured with the greatest 
care and exactness ; the utmost cleanliness is observed. 

It is quick in action, safe to use and a high-grade 
preparation in every particular. 

In mixing Pratts Food with the feed, at first it may 
be well to dampen it. When fed dry, however, be care- 
ful to see it does not sift through the feed and lie un- 
eaten at the bottom of the trough. After the animals 
become acquainted with the flavor, they are quite fond 
of it and eat it with a relish. 



60 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

In all cases where the animal is too sick to eat, 
make a gruel of Pratts Food, by mixing with warm 
water, and pour down the throat ; where quick move- 
ment of the bowels is necessary, it can be given in large 
doses at first, then gradually reduce size and lengthen 
time between the doses, and as the animal recovers mix 
the Pratts Food with the regular feed and discontinue 
the gruel. After the necessary movement of the bowels, 
(in cases of sick animals, ) the quantity of Pratts Food 
should be reduced to the amount necessary to keep the 
bowels natural and regular. The gruel form of feed- 
ing Pratts Food is only required : first, when the animal 
needs prompt action of the bowels ; second, when the 
animal is too sick to eat ; or third, when the condition of 
the animal requires prompt or more than ordinary treat- 
ment. In all other cases, Pratts Food should be fed by 
mixing it with the regular feed. 

The constant feeding of Pratts Food keeps live stock 
in such excellent condition that they are not liable to 
disease. Many dairies are kept entirely free from all 
sickness by its constant use as a dairy food. Its equal 
is unknown for standing bulls and stallions. It more 
than pays for itself many times over. Oxen are healthy 
and grow larger where it is fed ; their meat is finer 
flavored. Calves grow quickly, robust and healthy. It 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 61 

frees swine from all diseases and makes the raising of 
them profitable. Prevents and positively cures hog 
cholera, except in its last stages. Sheep fed on Pratts 
Food pay largely. Lambs are strong and free from 
disease. As a horse regulator it is endorsed by all. 
Full directions for feeding Pratts Food are found in 
every package. 

Pratts Food for Horses and Cattle, Sheep and Hogs 
is endorsed as the greatest Animal Regulator known in 
the world. And is the only Animal Regulator used and 
sold throughout the world. 



THE DAIRY 
COW 



CATTLE DISEASES. 

The cow is a hardy, healthy animal, and 
if properly fed and cared for, is subject to 
very 1 ittle sickness. The dairy cow, when 
fed judiciously, will frequently last twenty years, but this 
cannot be expected if she suffers from neglect, careless- 
ness or cruelty. The Jersey cow, while high-bred and 
valuable for her remarkable products of milk and butter, 
is not as robust, but far more delicate than the ordinary 
dairy cow. Notwithstanding this, she is a favorite with 
the dairyman, and often purchased as the family cow. 
"Prevention is better than cure," and, therefore, the 



62 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

farmer should take the greatest care to avoid all existing 
or exciting causes of illness, and be quick to detect and 
prompt to remedy approaching trouble. A healthy 
animal shows unmistakable signs of its condition — the 
eyes are bright, coat smooth, appetite good, breathing 
regular and milk given in full measure. The sick cow 
has more or less fever, failing appetite, hot muzzle and 
rapid breathing. The soft eyes become dull, the hair 
rough, and all these symptoms rapidly increase, becom- 
ing more marked, unless the cause is determined and 
relief obtained. Illness usually arises from overfeeding, 
exposure and sudden cold, in which immediate action 
must be taken. Animals are patient and without com- 
plaint until sickness is firmly fixed upon them. Only 
constant vigilance of the farmer can keep the dairy herd 
in good condition. To do this is to his interest and profit. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS 

Is caused by over-exertion or exposure, and is notice- 
able by a shivering, droopy appearance, loss of ap- 
petite and feverishness. The action of the lungs is 
quite rapid, and the breathing short, of a panting 
character. The cow generally goes dry after being at- 
tacked, and in very bad cases, the animal stands with 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 63 

legs wide apart, and with the nose pointed toward the 
window or door, as if trying to get fresh air. It gener- 
ally gets hide-bound, the muzzle is hot and the nostrils 
scarlet. Blankets wrung out in hot water should be 
continually applied to the chest and sides, and a blister 
of turpentine and mustard may also be applied. The 
treatment must be quick. If it is necessary to move the 
bowels, large doses of Pratts Food should be given in 
gruel form. After the bowels move freely, reduce the 
size of dose and lengthen the time between doses. When 
the animal commences to eat, mix the regular quantity 
of Pratts Food in each feed. In referring to note on 
page 58, you will find we mention our intention to give 
other remedies as well as Pratts Food, so we name the 
following remedy to be given every three hours, first, 
however, giving one quart of castor oil to move the 
bowels : Twenty drops Tincture of Aconite ; four 
drachms Carbonate of Ammonia ; two drachms of Bella- 
donna. Mix thoroughly in one pint of water. 



PLEURISY. 



This is produced by the same causes that produce 
inflammation of the lungs. It will be noted especially 
by the character of the breathing. There will be ex- 



64 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

treme tenderness of the muscles of the chest, also a 
jerky movement by the abdominal muscles. There is 
also a marked tenderness between the ribs, which can 
be noted by pressing the animal there. Sometimes the 
water has to be drawn from the chest, which, however, 
requires the services of a veterinarian, and should not 
be done by one not knowing how to go about it. Pleu- 
risy yields very quickly to prompt administration of 
Pratts Food, which should be fed in gruel form if the 
animal is too sick to eat. The same blister applications, 
etc. , as mentioned for inflammation of the lungs should 
also be used. Our note on page 58, explains that we will 
give other treatments as well as Pratts Food, so we men- 
tion the following recipe : Twenty drops Tincture of 
Aconite ; three fluid ounces Acetate of Ammonia. 
Mixed in one pint of water. 



BRONCHITIS. 

This disease is an inflammation of the larger tubes 
of the lungs. It is always accompanied by a cough. 
There is a dullness and drooping of the spirits, loss of 
appetite, mouth hot and dry, nostrils scarlet or reddish 
brown. The cough is at first harsh, and then followed 
by a whitish discharge from the nose, and then becomes 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 65 

more soft and rattling. You will notice the discharge 
from the nose about the third or fourth day. The ani- 
mal generally lies down. It should be kept in a warm 
stable and fed soft food and have good care. Pratts 
Food in large doses in form of a gruel, sufficient to physic 
the animal, should be given and then the quantity re- 
duced to the regular amount. Sometimes warm water 
injected into the bowels helps recovery. The front of 
the throat or chest may be blistered, or hot water cloths 
applied and then covered with blankets. The nose bag, 
recommended for horses, is a mighty fine thing, and 
often effects a rapid recovery, along with the constant 
use of Pratts Food. Note on page 58 says that we 
would in all cases mention other recipes, so we men- 
tion the following : Three fluid ounces Acetate of Am- 
monia ; one-half fluid drachm Tincture of Squills. Mixed 
with one pint of water. 



COU)S. 
They are generally noticed by a heated forehead 
and sneezing of the animal. Very frequently there is a 
cough, sometimes diarrhoea, much fever and loss of ap- 
petite. At other times, the animal is constipated and 
deficient in urine. In cases of severe illness, liberal 



66 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

quantities of Pratts Food in gruel form are all that is 
necessary, gradually reducing as the animal recovers. 
Many persons have home remedies which they apply 
according to their judgment. The animal should be 
kept warm and legs bandaged. Other local outward 
applications, as given for pleurisy and inflammation of 
the lungs, will also be found useful. 



OVERLOADED PAUNCH. 

Any kind of food will produce this trouble if taken 
too freely. It is slower to develop than bloat. The left 
side is distended and hangs downward. There is diffi- 
culty in breathing and stupor. It is caused by grain 
food. Diarrhoea sets in before death as a rule. Where 
Pratts Food is properly fed, this disease never occurs, 
and large doses of Pratts Food is a true remedy. If 
movement of the bowels is required very quickly, we 
mention : One pound Epsom Salts ; one pound Glauber 
Salts ; two fluid ounces Oil of Turpentine ; one-half 
drachm Nux Vomica. Mixed thoroughly. 

The above can be given along with the usual dose 
of Pratts Food, and is simply mentioned as a rapid pur- 
gative, but we would not recommend its use unless the 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 67 

animal is really suffering from severe costiveness and 
quick movement must be had, as Pratts Food, in gruel 
form, will move the bowels, but takes a little longer 
time than the above. 



MAD STAGGERS. 

This is caused by a feverish condition of the system, 
also by eating dry grain husks or bleached hay, which 
collects in hard lumps and which can be felt by pressing 
the right side with the closed fist. The dung is scanty 
and hard, yet maybe at first, the animal will have di- 
arrhoea. The animal lies on the left side, with head 
turned to right flank. Paralysis, stupor or convulsions 
may follow, or mad delirium so bad that the animal may 
dash straight ahead, regardless of any obstacles, some- 
times breaking its horns. Give a purgative immediately. 
A quart of castor oil will do, and at once commence 
with double quantity of Pratts Food. Repeat the castor 
oil in eight hours if the first dose does not move the 
bowels. An injection of warm water into the bowels 
will help to move them quickly if the disease is so far 
gone that you cannot wait for the castor oil to act. The 
food should be gruel and soft foods. However, as per 
our note on page 58, we give this additional recipe : 
Four drachms of Carbonate Ammonia every three hours. 



68 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 

This is caused by irritating food, also a change in 
the water. You will find at times that dung may be 
passed in small balls streaked with blood ; the animal 
will suffer much pain and rush recklessly about. Some- 
times it is caused by eating poisonous plants, the urine 
in this case will be high-colored and often bloody. Mu- 
cus may be found in the dung instead of blood. There 
will be belching of gas and bad breath. Diarrhoea may 
start, which will either cure the animal or cause it 
to die quickly. In case of extreme pain, two ounces of 
laudanum may be given by injection or in the mouth to 
ease the pain. In very bad cases, blankets wrung out in 
hot water may be applied to the abdomen. Pratts Food, 
mixed with a warm gruel every two hours, is the best 
feed to give first, and after that soft feed mixed with 
Pratts Food should be given for some weeks. Our plan 
of giving another remedy, as per note on page 58, 
leads us to mention the following : Carbonate of Am- 
monia, four drachms ; Extract of Belladonna, two 
drachms. Give in warm gruel every two hours. 



DIARRHOEA — SCOURS. 

Large doses of Pratts Food in necessary quantities 
to physic the animal is all that is needed. If the animal 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 69 

is too sick to eat, make a gruel of Pratts Food mixed 
with warm water and pour down the throat. After 
which, continue with the Pratts Food together with 
starchy foods, gruels and mashed roots. In chronic 
diarrhoea, Pratts Food is invaluable. In case it con- 
tinues too long, the animal should be killed, and buried 
deep, and should not be eaten under any circumstances 
nor fed to the hogs. As per our plan to furnish another 
recipe (see note on page 58), we give the following : Two 
fluid drachms of Tincture of Kino. Three times daily. 



DYSENTERY. 

In its first stages, the dung is semi-fluid and of bad 
odor ; later contains blood and mucus and is very offen- 
sive. Discharges are very painful and straining. The 
appetite is lost, hair staring and thirst is great. There 
is much fever. Pratts Food in large doses (in gruel 
form if the animal cannot eat), sufficient to physic, is all 
that is necessary. Afterwards continue usual size doses. 
However, as we have frequently mentioned, we purpose 
giving in all cases another recipe, as per note on page 
58, and therefore mention : Two ounces pulverized inner 
bark White Oak ; two fluid ounces Oil of Turpentine. 
Mixed with one quart of water or gruel. This should be 
given twice daily. 



70 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

SCOURS IN CALVES. 
This is simply indigestion. It is noted by poor ap- 
petite, or a very ravenous appetite, a bloated pot belly, 
staring hair, bad breath and watery diarrhoea. The 
calf soon becomes emaciated and dies. A good thing 
to do, is to give two fluid ounces of castor oil with a 
teaspoonful of laudanum, and then feed Pratts Food in 
gruel form regularly. We advise castor oil only when a 
quick physic is required ; if the case is not an extreme 
one, we would not advise giving it. If it is a sucking 
calf, be sure and feed the cow Pratts Food, as it is always 
well to treat the cow same as the calf during the time 
of sucking. 

couc. 
One pint of Glauber salts dissolved in pint of warm 
water should be first given, and afterward inject a quart 
of warm water in the bowels, with two fluid ounces of 
laudanum added to it. Then feed regularly Pratts Food, 
mixed with warm water as a gruel, if the animal is too 
sick to eat. Colic does not occur when Pratts Food is 
fed regularly. We would advise blankets wrung out in 
hot water to relieve the pain. In extreme cases, espe- 
cially if there is nervous excitement, give, next in value 
to Pratts Food as a remedy (see page 58), the follow- 
ing : Four drachms of Carbonate of Ammonia ; two 
drachms of Belladonna. Mixed with one pint of water. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 71 
WORMS. 

We can simply say nothing different from Pratts 
*ood for these troublesome pests, which will surely and 
juickly rid the animal of same. Some feed tobacco, 
which is very good in its way. See note page 58. 



CHOKING. 



When the animal gets an object in its throat which 
it cannot pass, it will be noticed by staring eyes, great 
distress and rapid swelling of the stomach. Such ob- 
structions can most generally be removed by pushing 
them down with the hand, of course, at the same 
time, properly securing the jaws so they are kept 
wide apart. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

This often occurs from eating poisonous plants or de- 
cayed food. It sometimes occurs right after calving. 
It will be noted by slight shivering, increased heat, the 
animal attempts to urinate frequently and passes but 
little, which is high-colored flecked with blood. By 
pressing on the loins, it will cause the animal to shrink 
on account of those parts being so tender. There is 



72 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

stiffness in the hind legs and a straddling gait. In ex- 
treme cases it may be well to cause quick action of the 
bowels by administering one and one-half pints castor 
oil mixed with two fluid ounces of laudanum. Follow 
this by free use of Pratts Food, In ordinary cases simply 
use at first large doses of Pratts Food, then reduce to 
regular quantity without the castor oil. Blankets wrung 
out in hot water may be applied to the loins for several 
hours, followed by a blister. Fluid food should be given 
until the danger is passed. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 

This is noted by frequent passage of urine ; there 
will be a twisting of the tail, uneasiness of the hind 
parts, straddling gait and slight fever. Pratts Food in 
large doses can be given so as to move the bowels, which 
is all that is necessary in these cases. This should be fed 
in gruel form if cow is too sick to eat ; if not, mix with 
regular feed. Sometimes the disease is noticed in cows 
right after calving, and extreme costiveness of the bow- 
els in such cases may be relieved quickly by a dose of 
castor oil. Inflammation of the bladder is cured and 
prevented by the use of Pratts Food, and calving is 
made freer and cleaner. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 73 
RED WATER 

Is a constitutional ailment as a rule. Proper treat- 
ment is change of food, followed by same treatment as 
mentioned for inflammation of the kidneys. Feed on 
mashes until the animal gets better. Pratts Food pre- 
vents and cures red water, and is certain and quick. 



ABORTION IN COWS 

Is caused by either of the following : herding together 
of large numbers of cows, high feeding, crowded 
space, smutty corn and ergoty pastures or accidental 
injuries. Frequently when one cow aborts in a herd, 
others will follow from sympathy or infectious nature of 
the disease. The cow which has aborted should be im- 
mediately removed from the rest of the herd. When a 
case of this kind occurs, it is well to give all the animals 
in the herd Pratts Food. The sick animal should be fed 
on cooling food, such as soft mashes, etc. If there is any 
signs of weakness, Pratts Food (in gruel form where 
necessary, if animal is too sick to eat) will give the ani- 
mal strength. If the case is very serious, to relieve the 
animal of pain only, a small dose of laudanum may be 
administered. In advanced stages, it may be necessary 
to remove the dead calf, for which a veterinarian should 



74 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

be called in. Where Pratts Food is fed constantly, it 
not only prevents the abortion in cows, but in all cases 
where instructions have been followed, it has stopped 
the abortion, and not only prevented the balance of the 
herd from aborting, but has built up the health of the 
affected cow. As per our note, page 58, we mention a 
recipe of one-half ounce of chlorate of potassa daily to 
be given to the well animals. 



MILK FEVER. 



This is generally caused by high fever before and 
after calving, running into rich pasture during hot 
weather ; there is a feverish condition and inflammation 
of the brain ; a complete stoppage of urine or dung. 
In the last stages, the cow goes into a state of stupor. 
Prevention is far better than cure in these cases, and 
proper care, and Pratts Food has invariably prevented 
anything like milk fever occurring. However, should 
this disease appear, for the benefit of those not feeding 
Pratts Food, we might mention that one pound of Epsom 
salts should be given to the cow so affected directly after 
calving, but to none others. Then feed Pratts Food and 
you will have satisfactory recovery of the animal in 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 75 

lost all cases ; but another formula which we give for 
masons stated in note on page 58, is as follows : Four 

drachms Carbonate of Ammonia; one scruple Nux 

Vomica. Mixed in one pint of water. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB 

Is generally caused by difficult calving or improper 
removal of the after-birth. It is noticed by shivering 
fits, colicky pains, uneasiness of the hind parts, twisting 
of the tail, looking toward the flank and frequent strain- 
ing. The entrance to the vagina has a red inflamed 
appearance. If the hand is introduced, the womb will 
be found dilated with fluid which must be withdrawn by 
use of a small rubber tube, which should be followed by 
injections of warm water to clean the womb, and a tea- 
spoonful of solution of carbolic acid, mixed with a pint 
of warm water, should also be injected. Sometimes a 
pound of sulphate of soda is good. However, a gruel 
of Pratts Food, should the animal be too sick to eat, is 
all that is necessary in cases of this kind, with pro- 
per care as mentioned above. After the animal has 
recovered, Pratts Food should be fed, mixed with its 
regular feed. The womb should be cleaned out every 
couple of days with the solution of carbolic acid and 
warm water, as mentioned above. 



76 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 
BLOODY MILK. 

This is caused generally by injuries to the bag. 
Some cows show signs of it during heat. We would 
advise changing the regular food, feeding Pratts Food, 
and apply plenty of cold water to the bag, and be very 
careful in milking. 



GARGET. 

This occurs from too great a supply of milk-pro- 
ducing foods, or from local injuries. The bag may be 
hard and a lump felt in the centre. Cold water applica- 
tions are a good thing, and Pratts Food (in gruel form 
where necessary) is all that is required. Active hand 
rubbing of the bag three or four times a day is good. 
Iodide of potassium in drachm doses is helpful. The 
milk must be drawn off frequently, and if painful, a 
milking tube must be used to allow it to run out. » 



TO PREVENT LEAKING OF MILK. 
This may be prevented by taking white oak bark, 
put in water and boil down to a strong solution. After 
milking, soak ends of leaky teat in the solution for a few 
minutes. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 77 
PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 

This is generally noted in the sick animal by droop- 
ing head, arched neck, hollow flanks, dull-looking or star- 
ing coat and a general appearance of great dejection. The 
pulse is frequent, sometimes full, during the latter stages 
of the disease it is frequent. There is some little mucus 
at the nose and very high-colored urine, which is often 
retained for a long while until the bladder becomes very 
much distended. The cow stops giving milk in the 
early stages of the disease. There is costiveness and 
the breathing frequent, sometimes panting. The tem- 
perature of the body is from 107 to 109. There is a 
trembling and twitching of the muscles and unsteady 
gait In advanced stages the animal lies down and has 
partial paralysis of the hind quarters, the hind limbs 
being drawn slightly under the belly and the fetlock 
joints bent as in other severe diseases. Sometimes the 
paralysis extends to the forelegs. We advise killing the 
animal at once. Pratts Food will, if fed in time, pre- 
vent this disease. 

COW-POX OR VARIOLA. 

This is a highly contagious, eruptive fever, com- 
municated alike to mankind, horses and cows. Round 
inflamed spots appear upon the teats, (see illustration) 



78 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

and in three or four days fill with liquid, which after- 
ward becomes thick yellow pus. This is the true vac- 
cine-virus used by inoculation as an antidote for small- 
pox. The influence of cow-pox upon mankind is much 
the same as vaccination — a slight fever, swelling of the 
glands and headache. The disease 
spreads through an entire herd of 
dairy cows very rapidly, probably 
conveyed by the milkers, whose hands 
and clothing naturally become infected, 
cow-pox. This disease is not a dangerous one, 

neither is the treatment difficult, — the greatest care, 
however, must be taken not to break the pox, or they 
will make stubborn sores, troublesome to heal. To 
allay the constant irritation, soothing applications of 
cosmoline, vaseline or other coal-oil preparations may 
be used, together with Pratts Food, to regulate the 
general system. This should be given to all the cows 
and heifers not yet affected. 




APHTHA, SORES ON THE UPS AND TONGUE. 

This disease is confined to painful blisters, soon 
becoming sores on the lips and tongue, so that the cow 
cannot eat and grows weak, falling off in milk rapidly. 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 79 

It yields readily to simple treatment. The mouth is 
washed twice a day with one ounce borax and one fluid 
ounce tincture of myrrh mixed in one quart of water. 
Pratts Food should be carefully fed to all the herd when 
aphtha first appears. If the mouth is too sore to permit 
the animal to eat freely, we would recommend a gruel 
of Pratts Food mixed with warm water, and then pour 
it down the throat and feed the animal on regular 
gruel feed. 

OBSTRUCTED TEATS. 

Small tumors sometimes form and close 
the milk ducts, but in the same manner as a 
boil, they usually come to a head and break. 
At times, however, they make a permanent 
obstruction, which has to be removed with a 
caked bag P r °k e > an ^ the passage afterward kept open 
tube. w ith a wooden plug until perfectly healed. 




DEPRAVED APPETITE. 

Cows will at times select rotten wood, old bones, 
rubbish, etc., as diet, which shows plainly that from 
irritation of the stomach, they are possessed of an un- 
natural appetite. Pregnancy, a diseased liver, tubercu- 



80 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

losis, balls of hair and other foreign substances in the 
stomach will produce this condition, which should be 
treated as ordinary indigestion. Pratts Food is an 
excellent regulator of the appetite, and it should be fed 
in liberal doses to the sick animals. 





A 



SHEEP 



PART II. 



PRATTS 


POINTERS 




ON 


THE 


SHEEP* 



CHAPTER I. 



GENERAL REMARKS ON SHEEP-RAISING. 



ORIGIN OF 

SHEEP- 
RAISING 



Sheep-raising is one of the oldest of 
man's industries. The herding of sheep 
dates back almost to the beginning of 
the world. In the early ages, the necessities for sustain- 
ing life were not so plentiful, so man turned quite natur- 
ally to the sheep for its wool to use in protecting his 

*To obtain all the advantages of our remarks on the sheep, first 
read the note on page 58. 

(81) 



82 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

body, and the meat for his food. It does not cost much 
to keep sheep, when you think of the slight cost of the 
food and the great profit derived. They eat grass and 
cheap fodder, which is of little value unless used in this 
way, and return it threefold in their product of wool, 
mutton and manure. The sheep is not an animal 
adapted to endure hardship. Without proper food and 
shelter, the wool will lose its softness, the lambs born, 
prove weak and small, showing that to thrive, the sheep 
must be well cared for. 



CHOOSING 
THE FARM 



The climate and the natural advantages 
which this country affords, to those who 
are thinking of raising sheep as a 
business, or on their farms, in connection with other 
work, is second to none. This occupation has been 
steadily on the increase of late years. Hilly farms are 
often a great source of labor for their owners from which 
they get little return, but when these same hills are 
turned into grazing land for the sheep, the profit is more 
than doubled. There is not so much need that the soil 
be rich, but the drainage is the all-important point. If 
the land is not drained naturally, artificial drainage has 
to be resorted to, and while this often costs a great deal, 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 83 

it will pay in the end. It is unwise to select pasture 
where pools of stagnant water exist, as animals drinking 
from them, become diseased in a very short time. A 
sandy or gravelly soil, uneven and hilly, with short grass 
generously mixed with clover, is particularly favorable 
to the sheep. 



WATER 
SUPPLY 



Sheep need fresh water, and in large 
quantities. A permanent spring or run- 
ning stream is very convenient and 
economical, but a good well answers the purpose. Hard 
water is the best, that is, water that contains more or 
less lime and salt. These are good for the sheep's 
system. 



GRASSES IN 

THIS 

COUNTRY 



The farmer is very familiar with the 
more common grasses, such as Red 
Top, Kentucky Blue, Orchard Timothy, 
Oat-top and White Clover. These are the principal 
grasses in this country, and make excellent food for the 
sheep. The physical condition of an animal, whether 
good or bad, is shown by unmistakable signs which 
should not be disregarded by those responsible for its 
care. The wool of the well-fed and properly nourished 
sheep will be soft and very greasy, while that of the 



84 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

poorly fed animal will be dry and harsh to the touch. 
In the latter case, the diet should be changed and 
exposure to cold and bleak winds avoided. Peas, corn 
or oats cut and fed green, furnish excellent additional 
nourishment. 



CARE OF 
THE SHEEP 



Years gone by, wolves and wild beasts 
were the worst enemies to sheep ; at the 
present day dogs are their worst enemies, 



and the greatest possible care should be taken to protect 





DOG GUARDS. 



them from these creatures. This is easily accomplished 
by the use of "dog guards, " a very simple contrivance 




SHEEP SHED. 



of wires easily attached and adjusted, which afford com- 
plete protection to the flock. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 85 

A well-built shed as shelter, should be provided for 
the flock even in summer. This is shown in a practical 
form in illustration here given. It does not cost much, 
and can be so located that each side will open into a 
separate pasture. Sheep enjoy roaming, and it is an 
acknowledged fact that they do not thrive as well, when 
kept in the same pasture on the same diet for any length 
of time. It is curious to note how sheep will select cer- 
tain places in a pasture and crop them close, as if the 
herbage were sweeter and better there than elsewhere. 
In this way nature indicates the food they prefer and, as 
a rule, that which is best for them. 



THE SICK 
SHEEP 



When sick, an animal is guided by in- 
stinct to seek a remedy in the plant 
world. At such time it will eat, with 
eagerness and seeming relish, weeds and leaves with a 
very bitter and unpleasant taste. This fact convinced 
the shepherd of early times that he must depend upon 
wormwood and wild parsley as cures for all troubles of 
the sheep. The sheep-raiser of the present day finds in 
regular feedings of Pratts Food both prevention and 
cure, in a much more convenient and reliable form. 



86 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



CHAPTER II. 

CARE OF THE FLOCK IN WINTER. 

The sheep must be comfortably sheltered 
in winter. A good barn or shed can be 
built for this purpose. It need not be an 
expensive structure, but should be placed on high, dry 
ground and have a tight roof and good floor. 



NECESSARY 
BUILDINGS 




SHEEP BARN. 



The barn should have a loft for storing fodder, hay, 
etc. , a ground floor with convenient feeding racks, and 
underneath a basement, containing a small cellar for 




CHEAP SHEEP SHED. 



keeping roots. Traps are so arranged in the loft that 
hay may be put in the racks from above. Sheep require 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 87 

a great amount of fresh air, therefore the barn is usually 
placed with its front to the south and without doors. 
Many farmers prefer a wide sliding door, however, which 




HURDLE. 

can be used in extreme weather to shut out the snow 
and wind. Below we give an illustration of an inex- 
pensive sheep shed. 

Many labor-saving inventions are now presented for 
use upon the sheep farm, among them the field hurdle, 




SHEEP NETTING. 

used to divide a pasture into strips, that it may be fed 
and fertilized evenly. A strong netting of hemp or co- 
Qpanut fibre is also furnish^4 for the same purpose, and 



88 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

with shepherds in England, is considered more conve- 
nient than the wooden hnrdles. 

The portable hurdle, made from crossed sticks on a 
centre pole, can be lifted and moved at a moment's 




PORTABLE HURDLE. 

notice, and is much used to shut in portions of the pas- 
ture for feeding, while those exhausted may be given 
opportunity to strengthen and grow again. 

The practical farmer needs no description of the 
ordinary feed rack for sheep, but the new portable rack 




PORTABLE FEEDING RACK. 



deserves mention. It is long, narrow, and with two un- 
derneath wheels at each end, and handles in front. The 
top is covered with narrow strips of wood dividing it 
into feeding sections. It is moved with the same ease as 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 89 

a wheelbarrow, and intended to convey the cut roots to 
any part of the yard or pasture, and can also be used 
for hay or green fodder. 



SHED FOR A 
FEW SHEEP 



The farmer who keeps a small number 
of sheep, of course only needs a small 
shed. It can be built very cheaply, hav- 
ing a deep projecting roof and entirely open in front. 
The little yard that surrounds this shed should be en- 
closed by a fence. A pen is sometimes boarded up in 
one corner of the shed for the shelter of ewes with 
young lambs, who cannot endure the cold winds of early 
spring. Corn stalks, straw, forest leaves, sawdust, etc., 
make the best litter for the floor of the sheep barn or 
shed. 



WINTER 
FOODS 



Sheep, more than any other animals, 
enjoy a change of food and thrive bet- 
ter on it. The farmer has a great num- 
ber of foods to select from when choosing food for 
the winter. He need only consider the market price 
of the food and the object of his sheep-raising. If 
rapid growth is desired, both in ewes and the lambs they 
produce, clover hay ranks first as a winter diet. Pea 
and oat straws also furnish nutritious food. Corn stalks 



90 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

form a better bedding than they do food. Sugar beet is 
undoubtedly the best feed for sheep and, when used in 
connection with dry fodder, furnishes almost a perfect 
diet ; and turnips are also most nutritious. 

To feed roots judiciously, the farmer must take into 
consideration the kind of sheep, their weight, etc. It is 
claimed as a safe rule that a bushel and a half of roots 
may be fed daily to fifteen sheep who weigh 150 lbs. 
each, and in connection with this may be given 1 % lbs. 
of hay and ^ lb. of bran to each animal. The sheep- 
raiser will gain the most available knowledge in refer- 
ence to his flock by experience and constant watchful- 
ness of cause and result. Grains are valuable as fattening 
food for sheep. 

regularity When sheep are taken from pasture in 
IN the fall and put upon a diet of dry 

FEEDING 

I fodder, great care must be taken that 




ROOT CUTTER AND PUMPER. 

their health does not suffer from it. Machines for cut- 
ting up roots before feeding are now on the market. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 91 

When the roots are prepared in this manner, there is less 
danger of their choking. Better results will be given 
if the animals are fed regularly, and their appetites and 
digestion will be improved. Fresh water should always 
be kept where the sheep can get it when they want it. 
The sheep will thrive and grow faster when they are at- 
tended to properly. 



CHAPTER III. 



BREEDS OF SHEEP. 



AHERICAN 
BREEDS 



The first sheep imported from England, 
were of a much better quality than the 
sheep which were imported from Spain. 
These were thin and the wool coarse. Some of this old 
stock though somewhat improved, can be found out on 
the plains of the West. The already greatly improved 
stock is being made better each year by the introduction 
of Leicester, Southdown and Cotswold blood. 



CROSS-BRED 
SHEEP 



This is a breed of sheep in England and 
is explained thus : Certain breeds of 
sheep are noted for their fleece, and 
therefore, are kept especially as wool producers. These 
animals are of slow growth and mature late. Other 



92 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

breeds are distinguished by the choice quality and flavor 
of their meat, and are bred and raised for that product 
only. Mutton sheep, from feeding and fattening genera- 
tion after generation, lose their strength of constitution, 
and after a time are not prolific. By crossing the wool- 
bearing and the mutton sheep, the cross breed is 
obtained, which possesses advantage over both. It 
unites quick growth and early maturity with a good 
quality of mutton and wool, is strong and hardy, and 
the lambs produced are thrifty and good size. 



THE 

AMERICAN 

MERINO 



The American Merino ranks not only as 
the model sheep in this country, but in 
every other where its value has been 
tested. They are carefully bred. In the early part of 
this century, the consul in Lisbon purchased and sent to 
the United States several thousand sheep of the best 
pure breed in Spain. These were widely scattered all 
over the country and became the basis of many excellent 
herds. The wool is soft, oily and elastic to the touch, 
medium fine, and usually between two and three inches 
in length. (See illustration on back cover.) Some 
points in reference to wool are valuable to the sheep- 
raiser, among them, that the finest fleece is by no 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 03 

means the most profitable, as the present demand is for 
medium wool. It is claimed that the wool tester be- 
comes so expert in his business that he can determine 
the relative quality and value of different fleeces when 
blindfolded. 



THE SOUTH 
DOWN 



The many choice breeds of sheep in 
foreign countries cannot be described in 
the limit of this volume, but a few most 
used to improve the stock of this country will receive 
brief mention. The Southdown seems almost like a 




SOUTHDOWN RAM. 



94 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

native American stock. It thrives well in the ordinary 
farm, being strong and hardy. The finest early lambs 
are secured by crossing the Merino ewe with a pure- 
bred Southdown or Cotswold ram. 






THE 
COTSWOLD 



Like the Southdown, this breed seems 
like a native American. It suits itself 
very easily to the climate and also takes 



very kindly to the pasture. 




PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 95 



THE 
IMPROVED 
KENTUCKY 



About fifty years ago, a Kentucky breeder, 
being desirous of improving his stock, 
carefully selected a number of the best 
ewes, and bred them with a Merino ram. The ewes from 
this cross were bred with an imported pure-bred Leices- 
ter, and their lambs in turn with the finest Cotswold. 
The Virginia sheep produce choice mutton, a long, fine 
fleece. The lambs are active, large and mature early, 
which are all points of the good sheep. This stock is 
now generally accepted, especially in the South and 
West, as excellent and reliable. 



CHAPTER IV. 

BREEDING. 

Sheep-raisers, in choosing a ram, take into 
consideration its shape and the quality 
of its fleece. The model sire has a round body, short 
legs, broad loin, small head and close wool. 



THE RAM 



CARE OF 
THE EWE 



The sheep carries her young five months, 
and should be bred so that the lambs will 
come in mild weather. During this time 
the ewe must be well fed and may be given small quan- 
tities of bran, oats or crushed corn. Pratts Food should 



96 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

be fed in regular rations each day, in order to keep the 
sheep in good condition and to make the lambs strong 
and healthy. If this system of management is steadily 
observed, the lamb will be dropped without trouble, the 
ewe will give an abundant supply of milk to nourish it 
and both will thrive astonishingly. A sheep is not al- 




HURDI,E FOR EWES. 

ways willing to nurse her offspring, but can be com- 
pelled to do so by a very simple arrangement, known to 
the sheep-raiser as a hurdle. It is simply a pair of bars 
between which the sheep is fastened in such a manner 
that the lamb can nurse, and she is unable to prevent it. 
In a few hours she will become accustomed to her new 
duties and offer no further resistance. 



The sheep-raising farmer must decide 
from locality and circumstance which 
product will yield the best profit. If he 
looks to the fleece as a return for his outlay and labor, 



OBJECT 
IN 

KEEPING SHEEP 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 07 

he should choose a wool-bearing breed. Should the 
convenience of a neighboring market afford opportunity 
for the sale of mutton and early lambs, he must select 
animals with quality of large size, early maturity and 
easy fattening. In crossing, all these points should be 
carefully considered. The ewes selected from the very 
best in the flock, and the ram, of whatever breed, the 
finest pure bred. Probably one of the best mothers is 
found in an improved native ewe with a generous share 
of Merino or Southdown blood in her veins. The ram 
may be pure-bred Cotswold, Southdown or Shropshire, 
as is most convenient. 



CLEANLINESS 

AND COMFORT 

NECESSARY 



Sheep will not thrive unless properly 
protected from cold and damp. They 
must be kept in clean pens and provided 
with plenty of clean, dry straw for bedding, or disease 
will appear in the flock. Precaution is better than a 
cure, applies particularly to sheep, who when given the 
right sort of care are seldom sick, but if neglected are 
subject to numberless diseases difficult to cure. Lambs 
are hardy, active little creatures when properly managed, 
and will grow and fatten very quickly under favorable 
surroundings. Animals sick and weakly from birth do 
not pay for the expense and trouble in raising, and should 



98 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



never be used to breed from ; the stock will retrograde 
rather than improve. It costs no more to feed a good 
flock than a poor one, and there is a wide difference in 
the financial result. 



FEEDING 
LITTLE LAMBS 



In instances where the mother dies and 
the lamb is too young to drink milk from 
a basin, it can be readily taught to nurse 
from a sponge placed in the spout of the ordinary tin tea- 
pot. The milk of the ewe is very rich, and the best 




FEEDING I,AMBS. 

substitute for it is found in slightly sweetened cow's 
milk warmed to the temperature when first drawn from 
the udder. 



A lamb is so innocent and confiding in 
its nature, that it suffers little neglect, 
but on the contrary is treated with great 
kindness by its care-takers. With all animals one fact 



CARE OF 
THE LAflBS 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 99 

is the same : whatever the kind or breed, if it proves 
profitable and successful, it must be well fed and prop- 
erly cared for. If the lamb is to grow and mature early 
it should be given plenty of good food, and even while 
unweaned, additional nourishment may be added with 
benefit. If the ewes are kept in an enclosure the Eng- 
lish method of arranging a small yard adjoining with 




I,AMB CREEP. 



several openings, through which the lambs can enter 
and eat from little food boxes prepared for them, is a 
great convenience. Rye, oats and bran ground very 
fine make suitable feed for growing lambs. 



WEANING 
LAMBS 



Before this is attempted, the lambs must 
be able to eat well, and if possible should 
be put in pasture that they may learn to 
nibble the fresh, tender grass. They should not be re- 
moved from their mothers at once, but taken away dur- 



100 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ing the day and allowed to nurse at night, and in this 
way the supply of milk will lessen gradually so that the 
ewes will not suffer any discomfort. The lambs eating 
for themselves will soon forget their mothers. At this 
time, it is very important that the ewes receive the best 
care and to dry the milk without trouble or fever. 



CHAPTER V. 

DISEASES COMMON TO SHEEP. 



CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION AND CURE. 

Before treating on the above, however, we refer you 
to the note on page 58, which it would be well to look 
over carefully before reading our remarks in reference to 
diseases of sheep. 

Sheep are generally healthy animals, and few cases 
of sickness occur when they are properly taken care of. 
When neglected or improperly fed, however, like all 
other animals, they develop many ailments which fre- 
quently prove fatal unless promptly attended to. The 
symptoms of disease can be seen far enough in advance 
by careful watching, so that very few cases need prove 
fatal if the proper remedies are applied at the right time. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 101 
BRONCHITIS. 

In this disease there is an inflammation of the air 
passages, and if not promptly checked, inflammation of 
the lungs will follow. The symptoms are very much 
like catarrh, only the cough is more severe and there is 
some fever and loss of appetite. The treatment in this 
case is Pratts Food, if very severe, in gruel form, and 
gradually reducing the dose and the length of time 
between doses, until the animal is in shape to eat, and 
then mix with the regular feed. 

At the same time, as per our note so frequently 
referred to on page 58, we give the following : One 
drachm saltpetre, one drachm powdered gentian, and one 
ounce linseed oil, given for three or four days. 



PLEURISY. 

This is an inflammation of the membrane surround- 
ing the lungs, and is very acute and painful. It is 
caused by exposure, low condition of the system and is 
not contagious ; but many animals of the same flock 
often are taken sick because they are all likely to be 
subjected to the same lack of care or exposure which 
causes it. Prevention is much better than cure, and by 
proper care pleurisy should be prevented. We advise 



102 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

Pratts Food ; if the animal is very sick, in gruel form 
in large doses to move the bowels, and gradually decrease 
until the bowels are in good shape, when it can be 
mixed with the regular feed. 

However, we give the following, as per note on 
page 58 : One drachm nitrate of potash, one scruple of 
powdered digitalis and two drachms spirits of nitre. 
Give twice a day for four or five days, but first move the 
bowels freely with castor oil or some other purgative. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

This disease frequently occurs from herding too 
many sheep together ; then again it is the result of 
exposure or insufficient ventilation in the stable. The 
latter is most frequently the cause. The common form 
will be known by the sheep panting, heaving of the 
flanks, discharge from the nose and a cough. 

Pratts Food, fed in gruel form in frequent doses, is 
a valuable remedy. As the sheep recovers, the time 
between the doses should be lengthened, and as the 
sheep commences to eat, it can be mixed with the 
regular feed. In all cases where Pratts Food is used, 
after the bowels are once freely moved, the dose should be 
regulated so that the bowels will be natural and regular. 

As mentioned in our note on page 58 to furnish 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 103 

other recipes besides Pratts Food in curing ailments of 
sheep as well as other animals, we would mention the 
following : Ten drops of fluid extract of gelsemium 
dropped on the tongue twice a day. One ounce of chlor- 
ate of potash in half a pint of flaxseed tea, given daily 
until the animal shows improvement. Keep the animal 
apart from the others, so that it may have rest and quiet. 



CATARRH. 

Generally caused by exposure to rains and stormy 
weather. It is noted by a discharge from the nostrils 
and sneezing and sometimes coughing. The sheep 
should be placed in dry quarters and given Pratts Food, 
first in gruel form, later mixing with the regular feed. 

In accordance with our note on page 58, we, how- 
ever, give the following remedy : Two ounces of compo- 
sition powder in a quart of boiling water ; allow it to 
stand an hour, and after straining it, add three ounces of 
sugar of milk, and give about three tablespoonfuls sev- 
eral times a day. "."" 

CONSTIPATION. 

Usually caused by a change in food. Frequently 
when sheep are changed from green pasture to dry 
fodder. Passages are hard and dry, and the animal 



104 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

moans with pain while the bowels are being moved. 
Costiveness is bad and should not be allowed to con- 
tinue. Where Pratts Food is fed, constipation does not 
occur. In cases of severe costiveness it should be given 
in large doses and then decreased gradually. If it is a 
very severe case, an injection of warm water and soap- 
suds should be made, which will give relief. 

As mentioned in our note on page 58, we give the 
following formula : One teaspoonful fluid extract of 
leptandra, two ounces Glauber salts in half pint of thin 
gruel, and drench the animal well. 



TUBERCULOSIS. 

This is a fatal disease, as is well known. The ani- 
mal should be killed at once and buried deep. The meat 
should not be eaten by either people or animals. The 
disease is too well known to elaborate on and too fatal 
to suggest any remedy. 



GARGET. 

This is inflammation of the milk glands, and will 
not occur if the milk is drawn should the ewe lose her 
lamb. Drawing the milk, bathing the udder with warm 
water and feeding Pratts Food is all that is necessary. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 105 
DIARRHOEA. 

This usually occurs from sudden changes of diet, 
or damp and foggy weather. Liberal doses of Pratts 
Food should be given in gruel form to thoroughly 
cleanse the bowels, and then gradually decrease to a 
sufficient quantity to keep the bowels in proper condi- 
tion, at which time it can be mixed with the regular 
feed. It should be attended to promptly, however, as it 
often proyes fatal. As mentioned in our note on page 
58 that we will give other formulae, we mention the fol- 
lowing : One gill scalded milk, one drachm hyposulphite 
of soda, and one ounce pulverized animal charcoal. To 
a lamb give one-half this quantity, and repeat as often 
as seems necessary. 



RHEUMATISM. 

This is recognized as a blood disease and, of course, 
affects the whole system. It is almost always caused by 
exposure to cold and wet weather and poor diet. It is 
noticed by failing appetite, swollen and stiff joints and 
general restlessness. 

The swelling changes from one place to another. 
When it becomes chronic, it hardens the joints until the 
animal becomes helpless and must be killed. Pratts 
Food is invaluable in this sickness, but the sheep must 



106 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

be well protected from the cold and damp, and have 
plenty dry straw for bedding. The other formula, which 
we speak of giving in our note on page 58, would be as 
follows : Two ounces of Epsom salts, two drachms of 
spirits of nitre, one-half drachm of fluid extract of gin- 
ger. Oat-meal gruel is very good along with the ordin- 
ary feed. Care must be taken of the flock, for if it once 
becomes chronic it is very hard to get rid of it. Sulphate 
of potash and sulphuric acid, given in two-drachm and 
twenty-drop quantity respectively in one-fourth pint of 
water, is very good. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWKI<S. 

This does not often occur, but when it does, it is 
generally caused by impure water or bad food. Again, 
it may come from sudden cold. The symptoms are red, 
watery eyes, bowels are inactive, breathing short and 
difficult, followed by fever and loss of appetite and flesh. 
We would advise large and liberal doses of Pratts Food, 
to move the bowels freely, and then gradually decrease 
until the bowels become natural, and mix with the 
regular feed. We give the following, however, in 
accordance with note on page 58 : A dose of linseed 
oil, castor oil or Epsom salts to move the bowels, and 
then give the animal proper care and nourishment. 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 107 

PINING. 
This is a blood disease caused by lack of nutrition. 
Sometimes it attacks very healthy flocks. It generally 
appears after long rains. The sheep become suddenly 
dull and lie down ; eyes water and heads are lowered ; 
the skin shrivels, the wool assumes a bluish color and 
death soon follows. This disease never appears in hilly 
pastures ; consequently, a change of locality is the 
proper relief. High, dry fields with the pasturage short 
brings quick recovery. The feeding of Pratts Food, as 
a tonic to build up the animal, will produce surprising 
results, 

FOOT ROT. 

This is caused by exposure in low, wet pastures. 
There is generally weakness of the system ; and it is con- 
tagious. The sheep limps usually at first in one of its 
fore-feet, and very soon all four become swollen until 
unable to walk. Blisters form and finally a deep sore, 
and unless cured the entire hoof drops off. The sick 
animal should be separated from the rest of the herd at 
once and all the sheep examined. All the diseased part 
of the hoof should be cut away and the foot washed with 
carbolic soap in warm water. After this they should be 
bound up — the bandage first dipped in a mixture of three 



108 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ounces of pyroligenous acid to one and a half ounces 
water. Pratts Food should be fed to help improve the 
general health of the sheep. 



APHTHA. 

This is known by blisters in the mouth and on the 
feet of the sheep. It is painful and difficult to cure. 
In fact, it is better, where one or two animals only are 
affected, to kill them and bury them in protection to the 
other sheep. We, of course, feel that if anything will 
help them, Pratts Food will. A purgative may be used, 
such as Epsom salts, and the mouth washed with one 
ounce of powdered alum, and one ounce tincture of 
myrrh in a quart of water. The feet should be washed 
with warm soap-suds and bound up in carbolic ointment. 
This treatment may effect a cure, but it is a very serious 
disease. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER 

Is very often due to the feeding of too much corn- 
meal. It is noted by the retention of the urine and 
fever. Pratts Food regulates the kidneys and bladder 
and suppresses all inflammation, and has proved success- 
ful in this disease. Feed per direction by mixing Pratts 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 109 

Food with the regular feed of the animal. However, as 
per our note on page 58, to give different recipes, we 
mention the following treatment : Bleeding from the 
neck and linseed oil in two-ounce doses until the animal 
shows improvement 



SHEEP TICK. 

This can be treated in the same manner as the scab 
mite. 

SCAB MITE. 

This is a very small insect and bores into the skin, 
causing burning sensations. The sheep become rest- 
less and scratch frequently and bite at their wool. The 
skin will be white and covered with a yellow liquid. 
The wool falls out. If a white cloth is thrown over the 
animal, they are apt to leave the sheep and crawl on the 
cloth. They increase very rapidly, and active measures 
should be taken at once to rid the animal of them. 

The sheep should be dipped in a liquid of saturated 
tobacco stems or coarse tobacco leaves. It is good to add 
a little sulphur to this solution. Boiling water should 
be poured on it and the sheep dipped when it becomes 
cool and held in the solution for a few minutes. Repeat 
this about once each five or six days. If precaution is 



110 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

taken to dip sheep this way, say two or three times a 
year, it prevents them from being affected by the scab 
mite. 

SHEEP LOUSE 
Has a small, yellow body with dark -brown stripes 
and a red head. It attacks the neck and nnder the fore- 
legs. The same dip as mentioned above for the scab 
mite is all that is necessary, although some advocate 
using coal oil. 

When sheep are kept in a good, healthy condition, 
they are generally free from all ailments, and also with 
the proper care, pasturage, etc., are free from insects of 
all kinds, and therefore, if Pratts Food is fed constantly, 
and the liver, blood, bowels and kidneys kept in proper 
shape, you will experience a general, healthy condition 
of the whole flock. 

POISON LAUREL. 

Poisoning from laurel will be noticed by dullness, 
frothing at the mouth and blood-shot eyes. Action must 
be taken at once by injecting soap-suds in the bowels and 
giving a three-ounce dose of Epsom salts in warm water 
to each sheep. Then drench the animal well with warm 
water until it vomits. Injections of soap-suds should 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 111 

also be made. During recovery, to bring back strength 
to the animal, there is nothing as advantageous as 
Pratts Food. 

WORMS 

To which sheep are subject, can be readily and per- 
manently cured, as well as positively prevented by the 
feeding of Pratts Food. There is generally a wasting 
away of the system, severe cough and rapid and difficult 
breathing from lung worms, and finally strangling of the 
animal. For this disease we would mention the free use 
of salt and fumes of turpentine. 

Bladder worms are very troublesome, and sheep 
dying from this disease should be buried and not eaten 
by dogs or other animals. If not cured in its early 
stages, it is not likely to be. It is generally supposed to 
be caused by diseased dog's manure. 



LAMBS. 

Colic, diarrhoea, constipation, paralysis, water on 
the brain, and other ailments peculiar to lambs can be 
prevented, as well as cured, by the proper care of the 
ewe and the feeding of Pratts Food. The same treat- 
ment in all cases for the lambs, when large enough to 



112 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

eat, can be applied the same as for sheep, only in a mod- 
ified form. Even paralysis is due to neglect in the care 
of the ewe and indigestion or depraved appetite caused 
by stomach troubles. Much might be said in reference 
to the different diseases of lambs, but intelligent read- 
ing of the diseases of sheep will enable the reader to 
comprehend the best method in handling any sheep 
disease that may occur in the flock. 





PART III. 



PRATTS POINTERS 

ON 

THE F>IQ. 



PROFITABLE 

pia- 

RAISING 



CHAPTER I. 

The man who raises pigs looks to their 
products as a return for the labor and 
money he expends ; his whole object be- 
ing to get, at the least cost, the greatest return of pork 
and lard from a certain quantity of food. In selecting the 
animals best suited to his purpose, he carefully considers 
the attention and food to be given them, as this is of the 
utmost importance in order to have the most successful 
results. Animals that grow quickly, mature early and 
fatten easily, are most desirable. 



113 



114 PRATTS POINTERS ON COJVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



NATURE A 

GOOD 
TEACHER 



A wise Providence bestows upon dumb 
animals a natural impulse which guides 
them, and serves in place of the sense to 
gain knowledge which man possesses. Cattle will eat 
and thrive on grass and hay, while the pig, when left to 
shift for itself, instinctively turns to acorns, roots, etc., 
proving that it requires a diet of less quantity and greater 
nourishment. This should be borne in mind when pro- 
viding its food. 



NECESSARY 
SURROUNDINGS 



Comfort and warmth is a great influence 
upon the growth and health of animals. 
The pig will accommodate itself to circumstances more 
readily than any other domestic animal, but it is to the 
farmer's advantage to provide dry, warm pens and a 
liberal supply of food. If they are fed scantily and 
irregularly, they soon show the effect of neglect, and grow 
slowly, mature late and give poor return for whatever 
time and trouble has been given them. 



^ %r ^m^ c I From every dwelling there is a daily 

ADVANTAGES I 

I amount of refuse, which, if not speedily 

disposed of, will accumulate and become burdensome, 
impregnating the atmosphere with foul and unhealthy 
odors, and would otherwise be thrown away. Hogs are 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 115 

great eaters and find excellent food in the scraps from 
the family table, parings of fruit, vegetables and the 
slops from the kitchen. They are of value to the dairy- 
man ; and the farmer who feeds cattle with grains or oil 
cake, as he will be agreeably surprised to see how fat 
pigs will grow, when allowed to run in the barnyard and 
pick up the scattered leavings. This seems to decide 
that pigs are economical, useful and profitable on the 
farm if they are carefully selected and properly cared for. 



RAPID 
GROWTH 



Self-preservation is thje first law of na- 
ture, and this applies undoubtedly to 
animal life ; therefore it is necessary to 
derive from daily food sufficient nourishment to sustain 
it, before flesh can be gained. If this is not done, life 
must depend upon matter already stored in the body. 
The pig, being better able to digest more food over and 
above the amount required to sustain life, gains more 
flesh in proportion to its size and amount of food eaten 
than any other stock. This affords a powerful argu- 
ment in favor of liberal feeding, unless circumstances 
make it more convenient for the farmer to keep a large 
number of pigs, and let them mature slowly. For this 
purpose animals of slow growth should be selected for 



116 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

breeding, and the pigs fed on a moderate and limited 
allowance daily until they fully mature, and then they 
can be fattened quickly when desired for market. 



PROPER CARE 
FOR EARLY 
MATURITY 



It is to the interest and profit of the 
owner to see that his stock are provided 
with comfortable quarters. Hogs kept 
warm and sheltered will fatten on less food, than when 
exposed in open pens to storm and cold. It is wonderful 
to notice the improved appearance of pigs which have, for 
several generations, been kindly looked after and wisely 
managed. Each successive litter of pigs seems a better 
breed than the former ones, — the ears and snout more 
delicate, the legs shorter, the hair less coarse and the 
skin finer. It takes time to bring about this change, but 
the result is certain, when a steadfast system of liberal 
feeding and good care is maintained from year to year. 
Hogs, when neglected, will retrograde, becoming con- 
stantly less valuable, and transmitting to their young 
low habits and poor constitutions. 



The word breed, as we use it, means "to 
nourish, to procreate, to originate." 
Certain characteristics develop in each 
litter of pigs, and if the breeder of pigs is careful to 



DEFINITION 

OF 

BREED 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 117 



continue those conditions which influence them, they 
will become fully established and hereditary in each 
generation. The pig-raiser should be careful to choose 
a good stock to breed from, and then give them proper 
food and attention. Contrast the wild hog (which still 
exists in some parts of Europe) with the original old 
English pig, and you will surely be convinced that con- 




OI,D ENGLISH PIG. 

ditions control breed. It must be admitted that while 
the latter is not a creature of beauty, as compared with 
the domesticated pig of to-day, yet it is a favorable 
change from the long tusks, rough hair, and strong snout 
of the wild hog. It required many generations of proper 
feeding and careful selection to change the black color, 
wicked disposition and many unfavorable traits of the wild 



118 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

creature, into the more quiet and domestic English pig. 
The best results were gained by crossing English sows 
with boars imported from China, and then selecting for 
breeding the young animals with the best points. All 
this required time and patience, but at last a profitable 
breed was fully established, and by crossing and re- 
crossing many times, other valuable breeds have been 
obtained. 



It seems to be the aim of all the success- 
ful breeders to obtain a pig which is 
nearly of equal length, breadth and thick- 
ness, after having been properly fattened. To quote from 



THE MODEL 
PIQ 




MODEI, PIG. 

a well-known work : "The head should be set close to 
the shoulders to give size to the cheek, which is counted 
among the choicest pieces of meat. The snout should 
be short, the ears small and well shaped, and it is a 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 119 

curious fact that some of the most experienced breeders 
judge the general quality of the animal from the ears : 
if thick and heavy and much drooped they indicate 
coarseness ; if soft and well formed, show pure breed ; 
if sharp and upright, a restless disposition not tending 
to fatten quickly." 

CHAPTER II. 

IMPROVEMENT OF DOMESTIC PIGS. 

The pig is not supposed to be a native 
American, but was probably brought by 
the early settlers from England. Natur- 
ally enough, they were anxious to derive all possible 
advantages in their agricultural pursuits, and as the dif- 
ferent breed of pigs were improved, they imported the 
best for breeding purposes on this side of the water. 
The breeders of pigs seem to have had a prejudice 
against the Chinese boar, imported to improve American 
stock, and while the pigs raised were of good quality, 
fair in weight when fattened, as they were not large, they 
were generally condemned. 



BREEDS IN 
AMERICA 



BFRKSH1RE By far the best stock for breeding pur- 
poses, either in a direct and pure line or 
for cross, stands the Berkshire. This stock was brought 



120 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

into this country from England about 1832, was very 
favorably received, and soon became distributed in nearly 
every State. Through lack of good care and attention 
the stock began to retrograde. But this was not the 
fault of the pigs. They certainly could not be expected 




BERKSHIRE SOW. 

to thrive when they received no better care than the or- 
dinary common stock. The owners of thorough-breds 
could not get a paying price for them, and the pigs came 
to be looked upon with disfavor by the public, the gen- 
eral excuse being that they were "too small." Even 
now farmers consider "pure Berkshire" stock very 
doubtfully. 



SUFFOLK 



The success of this breed was so great 
that they are now probably the most gen- 
erally accepted pure breed in all but the Southern States. 









PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 121 



IMPROVED 
ESSEX 



The Essex never became popular in the 
North for no other reason than that they 
were black in color. They are as pure- 
bred pigs as can be found anywhere, and it is unfortu- 
nate that they have never gained a place on the ordinary 
farm. 



LARGE 
YORKSHIRE 



The Large Yorkshire, popular in Eng- 
land, were imported to this country. 
Although importations still continue to 

be made of them, they have gained little place with 

either the breeders or farmers. 



SMALL 
YORKSHIRE 



This pig is classed by the average farmer 
as c< fancy stock,' ' and has therefore never 
become popular. At the time it was in- 
troduced, it caused much comment among breeders, 
owing to its almost perfect shape. It has been exhibited 
under various names, according to the fancy of the 
owner. (See illustration on front cover. ) 

Of late the breeding of pigs has been practiced with 
more care and skill. This is especially so in the United 
States, where the " hog product" ranks as one of the 
leading agricultural exports. The breeds mentioned 



122 PRAT1S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

above are only the English stock which are best known 
in this country. More profit is derived from these grades 
as breeders than as pork producers. The farmer who 
sees the advantage of using the thorough-bred boar with 
the common sow secures the best grade of pigs. When 
we consider the quantity of pork to be produced, as the 
main item, we have in this cross what might be styled 
the perfect pig. The young inherit the good form, early 
maturity and quick-fattening propensities of the thor- 
ough-bred boar, together with the strength, appetite 
and digestive powers of the larger and coarser sow. 



WHY IMPROV- 
ED BREEDS 
DEGENERATE 



In this day of competition, the farmer 
must carefully lay his foundation at the 
beginning, if he desires the improve- 
ments he places upon it to be permanent. It is just as 
easy, and vastly more profitable, to be careful in the 
management of the pigs as it is to be neglectful. New 
methods and implements are constantly being invented, 
and the advanced farmer works now with ease when 
compared with the drudgery of former days. 

Refined or highly bred pigs are less able to with- 
stand hardships, and they require more feeding and a 
greater amount of attentioii than the common pig. If 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 123 

pigs, and their mother before them, are furnished with 
an abundance of good food, the improved stock will be 
found to be not only superior, but much more profitable. 



GENUINE 
THOROUGH- 
BRED 



A frequent misunderstanding exists as to 
what constitutes a thorough-bred ; but 
still with a little thought this can be ex- 
plained. Pigs to be thorough-breds, must have father 
and mother both of one breed — both offsprings of thor- 
ough-breds. Different pure breeds united, although 
good blood, is not thorough-bred. Then again it is not 
sufficient, unless the stock is strong, healthy and able to 
transmit the same qualities and distinguishing traits to 
its young. Weak and sickly pigs, in successive litters, 
show that disease is in the line of descent. No matter 
how much the farmer may have paid for such animals, 
the parents may have escaped, and as it shows itself in 
the young, they are unfit for breeding and dangerous as 
food. Next to the selection of healthy stock, proper care 
and feeding is of the greatest importance. The pig is 
naturally a very clean animal, and would never sleep 
upon dirty straw if it could obtain clean. The pig is 
seen sometimes to wallow in dirty pools, but this is done 
to cool the skin, and it is not the animal's fault if the 



124 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

only water it can find is a muddy pool. Young thorough- 
breds when kept in damp, dirty pens, and given inferior, 
scanty food, will not thrive. It will not only injure them, 
but the evil results will show in their young. There is 
no truer saying than that "like begets like," and while 
the tenderly reared and well-fed animals will produce 
strong, lively pigs, with the same certainity the neg- 
lected, ill-treated sow, will give birth to little ones 
like herself, — half starved and sickly. Thorough-bred 
stock requires a great deal of attention. If the pigs are 
to be subjected to neglect and uncertain management, 
it would be better to keep only good common pigs. If 
by any chance pigs have suffered from neglect, Pratts 
Food is invaluable, as it will assist to overcome the 
effects very quickly. 



CARE OF 
THE BOAR 



Abundant food is necessary to keep the 
young boar growing rapidly until he is 
at least a year old. He should be given 
all that he will eat ; and if he gets too fat, it is better to 
give poorer food, instead of lessening the quantity, as it 
would be cruel not to give an animal all that nature de- 
manded. In winter the boar should be fed morning 
and evening, boiled potatoes and coarse bran, making 
excellent food for him. If allowed to run about the 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS y SHEEP AND HOGS 125 

barnyard, he will obtain much additional food to suit 
his taste, besides the necessary amount of exercise. In 
summer he will fare best if allowed to run at large in a 
clover pasture or be permitted to roam the fields. At 
eight or nine months old, if he has received suitable 
food and care, a well-fed thorough-bred boar will be 
fully grown and ready for service. From the middle of 
October to the first of December, when most in demand, 
he should be given plenty of rich food. Bran, roots and 
clover keep in good condition, but nothing is more nec- 
essary than regular feedings of Pratts Food. It develops 
him into a strong, sturdy animal, and in consequence 
makes him all the more valuable for breeding purposes. 



THE 
THOROUGH- 
BRED SOW 



The sow should be treated in like manner 
as the boar until she is about nine 
months old. The farmer should exercise 
the same judgment in the care of his thorough-bred sow 
as he would over an ordinary. The milk of a sow is 
much richer than that of any other domestic animal, 
and it will tax the digestive powers to their fullest 
capacity to convert food into a sufficient supply to satisfy 
a litter of hungry, fast-growing pigs. Meanwhile the 
mother must sustain her own life and strength by the 



126 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

food she eats, and to do this the food must be liberal and 
nourishing. " She should be kindly treated, carefully 
sheltered and given the regular quantity of Pratts Food 
daily, which will help wonderfully, whether the stock be 
common or pure breed ; this is the greatest help known. 



PROFIT OP 

KEEPING THOR 

OUGH-BREDS 



Does it pay to keep thorough-breds? If 
they are to be killed when young in 
order to obtain fresh pork, the answer to 
this question would be no. But if they are to be used 
for the purpose of improving American stock, then the 
answer would be quite different. The advantage de- 
rived from using the thorough-bred in this manner is 
admitted more and more each year. The public will 
accept meat only of the best quality, hence the demand 
for thorough-bred boars is on the increase, until now, in 
fact, it exceeds the supply. Farmers consent that "a 
thing worth doing at all is worth doing well ; n therefore, 
the raising of pigs from best animals, in the best man- 
ner, gives the greatest profit. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AN*D HOGS 127 

CHAPTER III. 

THE MOST POPULAR BREEDS IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Cheshire or The Cheshire pig from England, crossed 
Jefferson ^^ the Yorkshire, originated one of the 

COUNTY PIG 



most popular breed of pigs in the United 
States, known as the Jefferson County pig, or as it is 
called in the West, the Cheshire. It is large in form and 
famous as a profitable pork producer. The breed was 
first exhibited and won a prize under the name of 
u Cheshire and Yorkshire;" afterwards, about 1868, as 
u Improved Yorkshire," and has since continued to win 
many prizes wherever publicly shown. The finer blood 
of the Yorkshire has dominated, and instead of a coarse 
and clumsy-shaped pig, the breed is well proportioned 
and handsome in form. Having been kept pure and in 
a direct line for a long time, the same characteristics 
have developed, becoming fully established, and what 
was once a mixed breed has now become a distinct 
species. 



This breed is undoubtedly the most popu- 
lar in the United States. It derives its 
name from the county in Pennsylvania 
where the breed originated. This pig is nothing more 



CHESTER 
COUNTY 
WHITES 



128 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



than a high grade of common stock. Its best points are 
that it is large and vigorous, and the sows are especially 
valuable to cross with a high-class or thorough-bred boar, 
from which can be derived a mixed breed of the best 
quality. They are noted for their splendid digestive 




CHESTER WHITE. 



powers and as rapid growers. Chester County farmers 
may well be proud of this breed, and it is a great source 
of profit to them, as thousands of this stock are shipped 
annually to all parts of the country. 



From Ohio comes a pig well known to 
farmers and successful breeders. It is 
called by a number of names ; sometimes 
4 'Butler County," or " Gregory Creek," after the place 



MAGIE 
PIGS 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 129 

where it is thought to have originated, but more often 
" Magie," after a successful breeder. The Magie pig is 
a well-established breed. The best specimens of the 
common stock of the county are thought to have been 
crossed with a Poland, and their young with a Byefield. 
The offspring from these crosses were again crossed with 
the Berkshire, until, after almost a quarter of a century 
of judicious crossing, a breed was obtained with all the 
desirable qualities of a good farm hog. 




POLAND CHINA. 

There are many other breeds, like the 
Duroc, Jerseys, Victorias, etc., that are 
very valuable and popular in some sec- 
tions, but we have given descriptions of those of the 



POLAND 
CHINA 



130 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

most generally accepted in the largest portion of the 
United States. The last, but not least, to mention are 
the Poland Chinas. 

CHAPTER IV. 

PROPER BREEDING AND REARING. 

PEDIGREE I ^ e k est * s a ^ wa Y s ^e cheapest in the 
end. If the pigs are to be kept until 



fully developed, then it is important to consider the par- 
entage. The sows of the Chester White breed make 
the best mothers, and they are very good to cross with. 
It matters not whether the boar is an Essex, Suffolk, 
Berkshire or Yorkshire, so long as it is full thorough- 
bred stock. Of course, if it is the intention to kill the 
pigs when small, no especial breed need be considered, 
so long as it is healthy and in good condition. 



CARE OF 
THE SOW 



Pigs born early in the spring can be 
weaned in six weeks, and the mother, if 
she has been well treated and liberally 
fed, usually breeds again the same year. The farmer or 
breeder should be careful, when the sow is put in the 
house to farrow, to begin giving her the same kind of 
food as she will have when suckling. At this time a 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 131 

strict and constant use of Pratts Food will be found to be 
very beneficial, both to the mother and her litter. The 
sow should be given a clean, dry pen, with a comfortable 
bed of fresh straw. Have the pen well ventilated, but 
no place where the wind can blow on the pigs. Do not 
get the erroneous idea into your head that the sow will 
get too fat ; the better the condition of the mother, the 
fatter and more active will be her young. Experience 
.shows that a sow in excellent condition is sure to have a 
fine litter of pigs. During this period, when she is ex- 
pected to farrow, she should be given plenty of food and 
all the milk and slop she will drink. She will thus be 
better able to give an abundance of nourishing milk, and 
her young will thrive better, than if she was thin and 
half starved before their birth. All pigs need fresh 
water, and the sow must be given it daily, no matter how 
much liquid food she takes. If the farmer gives the 
sow this care and attention when she is about to farrow, 
he will have less trouble and fear of accident when she 
gives birth to her litter. The mother should be shown 
great attention while suckling. There is a great demand 
on her and she should be given liquid food, especially 
that which tends to produce rich and wholesome milk. 
Pratts Food can be used here with the best results. 
While the pigs are very young, it is wise to occasionally 



132 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS y SHEEP AND HOGS 

give the mother a cooked meal. Add the usual amount 
of Pratts Food to three quarts of bran ; pour boiling 
water over it and stir constantly. After having been 
thoroughly scalded, allow it to stand for an hour and 
a half ; then fill the pail with cold water and feed to the 
nursing mother. 



THE LITTLE 
PIQS 



When only two weeks old, pigs can be 
taught to eat from a little trough ; but if 
this is not fastened to the floor they will 
upset it in their eagerness to obtain the food. 

The trough should be out of the reach of the sow, 
and only a quart or two of sweet milk put in it each 
time. At first they will waste more than they eat, but 
as they grow older will quickly find the bottom of the 
trough, which should be cleaned before the next meal is 
given. When a month old, they may be given a hand- 
ful of oats or a little oat-meal each day. It requires great 
care not to overfeed them. Pratts Food should be given 
them from the first ; it will be found a profitable invest- 
ment, both in the general growth and health of the pig. 



Pigs that have been taught to eat well 
may be weaned at six weeks, and should 
never be allowed to nurse more than three months. This 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 133 

depends upon the season of the year and strength of the 
mother. It is better to take the young away gradually, 
leaving the sick and weakly ones, if there are any, 
until the last. Extra attention will now have to be 
shown to the young, and they should be fed at least four 
times a day — -the first thing in the morning and the last 
at night. 

Treated in this way, they do not miss their mother 
and thrive just as well without her. The most suitable 
food for them is warm milk, and either oat or corn meal 
gruel. A corn-meal pudding is good, if properly stirred 
until all the lumps are out, and then mixed with a full 
measure of Pratts Food, and the pail filled up with milk. 
It should be carefully looked after that the young pigs 
are kept warm while being weaned, and for this purpose 
they should be put in a close-covered pen and given 
sufficient straw to bury themselves in. If their bedding 
is dry and changed often, they will cuddle together, and 
be as comfortable as when with their mother. To make 
young pigs grow and thrive, plenty of wholesome food 
and nice warm quarters must be provided for them. 
After the critical period of weaning, the management 
and proper care of pigs will be governed by circum- 
stances and the surroundings, according to each farm- 
er's best judgment. 



134 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



AVERAGE 
WEIGHT 



Pigs coming from a sow of good stock, 
crossed with a thorough-bred boar, and 
raised under the above system of feeding 
and care, should average four hundred pounds, dressed 
weight, when a year and a half old. The following 
table gives the weight of the different parts of a pig : 

Carcass 178 lbs., 10.0 oz. 

Large intestines and contents 8 " 5.7 

Small " " " 4 " 8.0 

Intestinal fat 2 " 5.6 

Heart and aorta o " 9.6 

Blood . 7 " 10. 1 

Lungs and windpipe 1 " 9.1 

Stomach and contents 2 " 10.0 

Caul fat 1 " 2.3 

Liver 3 " 4.5 

Gall bladder and contents o " 2.1 

Bladder o " 2.5 

Pancreas (sweetbread) o " 6.6 

Milt or spleen o " 4.7 

Tongue 1 " 0.2 

Toes o " 2.9 

Miscellaneous trimmings and other parts o " 15.9 

Total offal parts 35 " 4.6 

Loss by evaporation 1 l< 2.0 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 135 

CHAPTER V. 

MANAGEMENT OF PIGS. 

GOOD CARE I ^ 0U cannot ex P ect to g a * n gO°d results 
1 unless you adopt a liberal and humane 
system of feeding, especially while the pigs are young 
and growing. A sow that has been half starved all her 
life cannot produce strong, healthy pigs. Some farmers 
keep their breeding sows in a state of semi-starvation, 
thinking that to be thin in flesh improves their breeding 
and suckling qualities. In this they make a mistake. 
The sow will grow thin, while the little pigs she nurses 
will get fat and thrive ; but this fact has nothing what- 
ever to do with her breeding and suckling qualities. 



CARE OF 

SOW AND 

PIGS 



After she has pigged, the sow should be 
generously fed upon warm slops and 
milk-producing food (Pratts Food is a 
milk producer), that she may be able to give nourish- 
ment sufficient for her family. As soon as the little pigs 
are weaned and begin to eat, they do credit to this 
advanced and better method of improving stock. Blood 
will tell, and the characteristics of the thorough-bred 
boar will show very plainly when pigs thus attended to 
are fully grown. Profit is on the side of the thorough- 



136 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

bred boar. Pigs thus parentaged will sell at two months 
old for a good price, while the little common pig is now 
seldom marketable except as food ; and at a year old the 
improved pigs bring much better prices than ordinary 
stock. 



IMPROVEilENT 
OF STOCK 



To breed pigs profitably, at least one thor- 
ough-bred boar should be kept in every 
farming neighborhood. A large, thrifty 
sow and a thorough-bred boar will produce improved 
stock, which, with proper feeding and care, will reach a 
higher standard of excellence with every generation. 
Each successive litter of pigs will be finer and better if 
the sow is liberally fed before they are born. 



VALUE OF 

PIGS ON A 

FARM 



Pigs are of great assistance to the farmer 
in turning seeming refuse into a valuable 
product. They are kept for different 
reasons, according to the owner's occupation and locality. 
The dairyman finds in feeding pigs the most convenient 
and profitable way to dispose of his skimmed milk and 
whey. The pig will find plenty of good food in the 
slops and other refuse from the kitchen, and in picking 
up the grain which is scattered through the fields and 
around the barns, and what would practically be waste. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 137 



PIGS ON 

THE 

QRA1N FARM 



No matter how well fed on milk or in 
pasture, pigs grow faster which are given 
occasional rations of corn-meal, or better 
still corn-pudding, made by pouring boiling water over 
dry meal, together with the usual amount of Pratts Food, 
(which is one of the greatest pig growers known,) and 
stirring until thoroughly wet and free from lumps. A 
mixture of yellow corn-meal and skimmed milk forms 
an excellent diet, as the corn is rich in oil and starch 
substances. 



PEA5 AS 

FOOD FOR 

PI05 



Farmers, particularly in the Western 
States, are learning the value of peas as 
food for hogs. Large crops are grown 
every year and can be planted early on land which is to 
be sown with winter wheat. The peas can be fed either 
green or dry ; but when the latter is desired, they should 
be soaked for twelve hours or cooked, as the farmer finds 
most convenient. The returns for such feeding are more 
solid pork and very rich manure. 



It is always a question with market 
gardeners, florists and seedsmen in the 
suburbs how to obtain a sufficient 
quantity of rich manure at small cost. The demand 



RAISING 

PIGS NEAR A 

CITY 



138 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

is great, and this necessarily keeps the price up. 
Sheep have been experimented with, but they needed 
clover hay, and therefore this method is known to be 
too expensive. The keeping of pigs meets the difficulty, 
and proves a most practical method of procuring rich 
manure at the lowest cost. The question of the best 
food for the most favorable results here presents itself. A 
table given elsewhere in this book shows the relative 
value of different foods in producing manure from pigs, 
and may be depended upon as correct. 



UPON WHAT 

THE VALUE OF 

MANURE 

DEPENDS 



CHAPTER VI. 

VALUE) OF PIG MANURE). 

We have just been considering the value 
of pigs to the truck farmers and florists 
living in the suburbs of large cities. 
But others can also derive profit from this source. 
There seems little doubt that if well managed, this en- 
terprise might become a paying and growing business. 
It would be necessary to select pigs of rapid growth, 
that would mature early and be ready for market when 
fresh pork commanded a good price. In this way 
pork and lard could give a profit, and the best qual- 
ity of manure be obtained at less cost. Nothing is 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 130 

without a reason, and this seems to be the age in which 
the cause is given to explain the effect. The degree of 
richness in the manure of different domestic animals 
depends entirely upon the food they eat. Feed a pig 
and a sheep on clover, and the value of the manure will 
be equal. Feed one on straw and the other on clover, 
and the manure of the latter will be much richer. 
Pigs are given more nutritious food, and that containing 
less indigestible matter, and therefore, although less in 
quantity, their manure is richer in quality than that of 
other animals of the farm-yard. 



PROFIT IN 

FATTENING 

PIGS 



Counting the yield of manure in fatten- 
ing pigs, no farm stock pays so well. 
An actual estimate is shown in the fol- 
lowing table of the exact value of pig manure : 

Value of manure in producing ioo lbs. pork from peas fe-54 

" " u " clover ..... 4.80 

11 " " " " Indian corn . . 1.76 

" " " " " skimmed milk. 5.02 

Average value from pigs fed the above four articles 3.78 

With the right sort of management, the pig will not 
only convert food into manure, but also change other 
refuse into the same valuable material. A small yard 
attached to the pen is now considered an economy, and 



140 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

into this can be thrown grass clippings, weeds, vegeta- 
ble tops, vines, leaves, ashes and other disfiguring rub- 
bish about the premises. It is the nature of the pig to 
root, and it will turn this over and over, mixing it with 
manure, until it becomes a rich compost, suitable to be 
used in enriching the soil and containing those elements 
important to plant life and growth. 



LOCATION 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE MODEL PEN. 

A neglected, abused pig is cross and 
stubborn, but among all domestic ani- 
mals, not one is more easily managed, if well treated. 
Always keep the pen clean and dry. To wallow in dirt 
and filth is not considered any more a pig's proper con- 
dition. The pen should be built on ground sloping to- 
ward the barnyard, in order that the liquid, which is 
the most valuable part of the manure, need not be 
wasted. If it is not possible to secure these advantages 
by natural formation of the land, the high foundations 
should be built for the pens, with drainage into a basin 
or vault provided for the liquid. The straw used in bed- 
ding for pigs makes a valuable addition to the manure 
heap. 



r 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 141 

FLOORING li The best floor is beaten e arth, because 
■ when once firm and solid it needs no re- 
pairs. The pigs, however, should be given dry, fresh 
earth, ashes and occasionally a little charcoal to prevent 
their rooting up the floor, as nature inclines them to do. 
Farmers say that pigs thrive better on a floor made of 
planks than upon a stone floor, although the latter is 
kept clean easier and lasts longer. The pens should be 
cleaned out every day. 



ODOR FROM 
PENS 



The smell of pigs kept near a house is 
objectionable, but with proper care this 
can be avoided. If the pens are at a 
great distance, the labor of feeding and caring for them 
is much increased. If the pens are conveniently built, it 
requires less time for the farmer to attend to his duties 
around them. A pig should be thoroughly washed once 
a week, the yard and pen scattered with dry earth, all 
straw used as bedding removed frequently, and a fresh 
supply provided. When this course is strictly followed, 
the smell is removed, and it must be granted that the 
pig gives generous return for the trouble of caring for it 
in the best manner. Some farmers carry on their busi- 
ness in all other directions with judgment, but seem to 



142 PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

think that anything is good enough for the pigs. When 
kept in damp, dirty pens, wretchedly fed, and exposed 
to cold without comfortable shelter, they somehow 
manage to yield a profit ; but how much greater, if well 
managed, liberally fed and kindly treated ! 



NECESSITY 
OF WATER 



Much water is needed to wash out the 
troughs and clean the pens, and nothing 
is a greater convenience than a good 
pump in the yard. From a trough under it, the pigs 
can drink as often and as much as they please. The 
wise farmer will remember that fresh water is a demand 
of animal nature, which liquid food does not supply. 



PEN FOR THE 
BREEDING SOW 



Pigs born in the winter or early in the 
spring often die from exposure, if left in 
an open pen. For a breeding sow, the pen 
should be divided by a partition, with a sliding door, 
into two parts ; one for eating, the other for sleeping. 
A warm room with a closed door affords protection for 
the little pigs, and makes the mother more comfortable. 
During extremely cold weather, a sow that has been 
kindly treated will permit a blanket to be put over her 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 143 

young, as if she understood their danger from exposure. 
Our illustration shows a small pen. It can be increased 
to any size. 



ffw 






i—sCX 



SMALL PIG PEN. 



Fresh air is necessary in the sleeping apartment of 
the pigs, and while the sides should be boarded up tight, 
a single board may be hinged between the two parts 
of the pen. This can be opened partway to admit air, 
or in warm weather raised and fastened up wholly. Dur- 
ing severe storms it can be closed, and afford perfect 
protection from wind or snow. These pens can be built 
with very little expense, are easy to keep clean, and the 
straw used for bedding can be quickly removed, and a 
new supply put in. 



AN UP-TO-DATE 
PIGGERY 



In these days the well-being of animals 
is carefully considered. The best sys- 
tems of feeding, shelter and care are 
generally adopted by the farmer who wishes to be suc- 
cessful in his business. Keeping pigs in large numbers 
in the same building is now considered unhealthy. 
They do not grow quickly or fatten readily in close and 



144 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

oppressive atmosphere. Many diseases to which pigs 
are subject are contagious, and when sheltered under 
one roof, if a single animal is attacked, all the herd is 
likely to suffer from it. The modern system of using 
separate pens gives no opportunity for crowding or 
interfering with each other. The comfort of the animals 
is secured, and much time and labor saved for the per- 
sons who feed and manage them. Each pen has a small 
yard, and the general arrangement includes the great 
advantage of convenience and cleanliness. It is quite 
as well suited for one pig, and can be enlarged to 
accommodate any number, without disturbing the pens 
already built. Each pen is separate, and yet with easy 
communication between them. Alterations can be made 
quickly at any time and with little expense. The ease 
with which vegetables, roots, weeds, etc., can be received, 
and also the convenient method of loading from each 
pen into the cart as it passes along a drive between the 
pens, are points certainly in its favor when compared 
with other methods. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 145 



TROUGH 



CHAPTER VIII. 

CONVENIENCES. 

Of course the size of the trough depends 
on the number of pigs. The old-fash- 
ioned trough, or the original trough, is still the best for 
out-door feeding. It is made by hollowing out a log 
with an axe or adze. It is used upon a great many 
prosperous farms in different parts of the country. 

Another simple and cheap trough is made from two- 
inch pine or hemlock planks. Pigs need two troughs, 
one for food and one for water ; but if this is not conve- 
nient, the one trough can be partitioned. The log trough 
has the advantage of the two, as it cannot be upset. 

A great many farmers think that a trough with 




r/»<»* 



t^^^SU5635^ 



SWINGING DOOR TROUGH. 

swinging door is the best. This door, or cover, extends 
the entire length of the trough, and the pigs can only 
eat when this is open. 



146 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



Triangular pieces of wood can be placed on the 
door, in order to separate the pigs while eating from the 
trough. 




SEPARATING TROUGH. 



The inventor has not forgotten the pig trough, but 
has presented many different styles in cast iron. They 



St. 





EQUAI,-SHARING TROUGH. 

are sold at stores devoted to farm implements, but so 
far are not in general use among farmers. They vary 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 147 

in price and also in weight, some of them being exceed- 
ingly heavy. 

There is an excellent trongh which is well known 
to farmers ; but it has one objection, and that is, it must 
be cleaned from the inside of the trough. The trough 
is built between the upright posts of the pen and projects 
through the boarded side. The milk and other food 
can be poured into it with very little trouble. If several 
pigs eat from it, it may be divided in sections, so that all 
may get an equal share , 



COVERED TUB 

FOR 

GARBAGE 



We have discussed to some extent the 
food for the pigs, and the manure and 
place to feed them. Now we should 
look and see how we should keep some of this food. 
The old-time swill barrel is rapidly going into decline. 
The tub we are about to speak of is the implement 
which has taken its place, and is used by a great many 
farmers. 

It is made especially for this purpose. It is con- 
structed of pine planks two and a half inches thick, and 
its size must, of course, depend upon the number of pigs 
kept. A convenient measurement, however, is five feet 
in length by two and a half feet in width, and the same 



148 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

in height. It has a tight-fitting cover, hinged in the 
middle, so that one half can be open while the other 
remains closed. It is not necessary to state that carry- 
ing in pails to the pig pen all the dish-water, milk and 
refuse from the family table is hard work. This labor 




GARBAGE TUB. 

is now avoided in the closely covered barrel on wheels 
which, when not in use, can be kept at a distance from 
the back door. After each meal, if necessary, it may be 
trundled up, filled and wheeled to the receiving tub 
(before described), which is kept near the pens. When 
emptied, it should be thoroughly rinsed with cold water. 
If a little corn-meal is occasionally mixed with this 
waste and allowed to stand a few hours before feeding, 
it adds much to its benefit as a diet for pigs. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 140 

CHAPTER IX. 

DISEASES OF HOGS. 
Before reading our suggestions in regard to diseases 
of hogs, read carefully the note on page 58. 

PREVENTION OF DISEASES. 
With the human race a patient can tell where and 
how he suffers, but the sickness of a dumb animal must 
be wholly determined and treated from symptoms. The 
best means to prevent sickness among hogs is to give 
them pure air, clean, dry pens, and plenty of good food. 
So many of the diseases of pigs are contagious that 
a sick animal should at once be removed from the herd, 
and put in a distant and separate pen. To prevent the 
spreading of disease, the troughs should be scalded, and 
a solution of carbolic acid sprinkled as a disinfectant 
about the premises as soon as the sickness appears. 
After this is done, dry earth must be scattered through 
the pens and yards. When pigs have good care, and 
are regularly fed on Pratts Food, there is practically no 
sickness among them. 



HOG CHOLERA. 

There has been much time spent in studying the 
cause of this disease. A few of the forms of hog 



150 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

cholera, however, may be mentioned. Hog cholera, as 
a rule, occurs from one of the following causes : Un- 
wholesome food ; hogs occupying one field or pen 
from year to year without proper cleaning or plow- 
ing the field occasionally, so as to keep it fresh and 
clean; hogs being constantly "rung" and prevent- 
ing them from rooting in search of bugs, worms or 
vegetable roots ; scanty feeding ; muddy, stagnant and 
filthy water, which often compels them to drink their 
own urine ; wet lands ; decaying vegetables during dry 
seasons. One sick hog may affect the whole drove, and 
as each succeeding hog gets the disease, it seems to be a 
more severe case than the previous one, and becomes 
more and more contagious. Constant feeding of dry 
corn produces an inflammatory condition of the system, 
which invites an attack of fevers and cholera. This is the 
reason why sometimes apparently the most healthy and 
the heartiest hogs are taken with it. Then again, too 
scant a quantity of corn is a disadvantage. The proper 
feeding of the hogs should be looked after carefully, and 
one kind of diet should not be given in excess or in too 
small a quantity, either. After the disease once starts, 
it spreads very rapidly. An affected hog should at once 
be removed from the rest of the herd. Suggestions to 
prevent hog cholera and other disease, can be found in 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 151 

the paragraph heading this chapter. On account of the 
seriousness of this disease, we do not feel justified fai 
giving a number of the " so-called sure cures M that have 
come to our notice, as we have been very careful that 
all which we have submitted to our readers in this work 
should be information of which we are certain, from 
actual experience of competent authorities. We know 
that a positive prevention of and cure for hog cholera is 
in the regular feeding of Pratts Food, and the following 
carefully of the conditions and care mentioned in our 
remarks in preventing disease, at the head of this 
chapter. 

Much more could be said on the subject, but there 
is nothing that we could say that would add to the fore- 
going information and that would be of any advantage 
to the hog-raiser; and in writing this book, we have 
endeavored to give all the information we possibly could 
in as few words as possible. We find, as a rule, there is 
a great objection in requiring the reader to plod through 
a large amount of unnecessary matter to obtain a small 
amount of information, which is so common with many 
authors. Therefore, we have endeavored to arrange our 
book to obviate this objection, and have endeavored to 
write the book in plain, practical, common-sense form. 



152 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 
MALIGNANT TYPHUS FORM. 

This is a form of hog cholera that will be attended 
by the following symptoms : Dull, weak appearance ; 
refusing food ; unsteady walk ; lying down a great deal ; 
rolling in the bedding; the animal shows a desire to 
bury its head, or even the whole body ; shivering fits, 
succeeded by high fever ; breathing quick ; bowels con- 
stipated or hard, dark colored-lumps. The animal tries 
to vomit; in from ten to twenty-four hours the symptoms 
become much worse. Spots appear on the inside of the 
legs or on the lower part of the abdomen, and on the 
breast and neck. A swelling follows, crimson in color 
at first, afterwards a purple ; and if the hog dies, it turns 
to a bluish-black color. The fever increases ; the mucous 
membrane presents a lead-color appearance ; the breath- 
ing becomes labored ; the temperature, at first very high, 
now gradually diminishes ; hind quarters become para- 
lyzed ; convulsions commence, and the animal dies in 
from six to twelve hours — which will be about two 
or three days after the commencement of the disease. 
If the spots are few and do not run together, and the 
fever not very great, and the other symptoms become 
less marked about the second day, there is a chance of 
recovery. Partial paralysis may remain, with loss of 
appetite, so that it is difficult to get the animal to eat 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 153 

enough. Even after recovering, care must be taken so 
that the digestion is not affected, and thereby prevent 
the hog from fattening. By making a gruel of Pratts 
Food and giving frequent doses, we have found it, in all 
cases where the proper care accompanied its use, to prove 
a most successful and quick-curing remedy. As per our 
note to give different recipes, on page 58, we submit this 
treatment, as follows : Give from five to twenty grains 
of white hellebore in a little milk. If the hog will not 
drink, make into a pill by mixing with flour and water. 
In twenty minutes the hog should vomit freely. If 
not, repeat the dose. After it has vomited, give the fol- 
lowing : One-half ounce Hyposulphite of Soda ; ten 
drops Solution Carbolic Acid ; five drops Tincture of 
Aconite. Mix well, and add enough molasses to make 
a soft mass, and place well back in the throat ; or, if the 
hog will eat, give it in milk. 

Of course, the users of this treatment claim that it 
should be commenced early in the disease and repeated 
three times daily, or even every two hours. Injections 
of warm soap-suds into the bowels, to which half an 
ounce of turpentine and ten drops of carbolic acid have 
been added, may be made twice daily, and will help 
the disease considerably. The sores should be opened 
and bathed in warm water containing half a fluid ounce 



154 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

carbolic acid solution to each pint of water. In very 
severe cases we have known muriate of ammonia, in 
half drachm doses in a little molasses, to be used. 



PUTRID SORB THROAT FORM. 

This is a very frequent form of hog cholera that 
affects the throat, larynx and air passages, principally 
the larynx. It at times affects the cavity of the chest 
and causes congestion of the lungs. The breathing is 
hard and of a wheezing character. There will be a 
hacking cough, hoarse grunting ; a great heat and dry- 
ness of the snout ; swelling of the tongue ; brown-red 
color of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Difficulty 
in swallowing, with attempts to vomit. The larynx 
and along the windpipe, even down between the fore- 
legs, will appear a hot, hard swelling, crimson in color 
at first, probably changing to a lead color, and finally 
dark purple. The animal either tries to lie down or sits 
upon its haunches like a dog. Finally, the breathing 
becomes so hard, he opens his mouth, the swollen tongue 
will hang out. The mouth becomes lead color. At this 
stage of the disease, the hog either dies by choking or 
gangrene sets in. 

Of course^ in this form of the disease, as well as 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 155 

others, we recommend Pratts Food, having been success- 
ful in effecting a cure in almost every instance by giving 
small doses frequently, making a gruel of the Pratts 
Food by mixed with warm water and pouring down 
the throat. At the same time, we mention another 
treatment, which is as follows (see our note in reference 
to giving different treatments on page 58) : 

Ten to twenty grains of white hellebore, to make 
the hog vomit ; and repeat it in twenty minutes if it 
does not have the desired effect. Then give the follow- 
ing three times daily : One-half ounces Hyposulphite 
of Soda ; one-half drachm Muriate of Ammonia. Mix 
wdth molasses to make a mass, and place on the tongue. 

Five drops of tincture of aconite, dropped on the 
tongue in the early stages, will be of considerable assist- 
ance ; and, in addition, give the following every hour, 
or in severe cases every half hour, in tablespoonful doses: 
Three ounces Chlorate of Potassa ; one-half fluid ounce 
Solution of Carbolic Acid. One quart of water. Mix well. 

As the hog gets better, lengthen the time between 
doses. ' 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS FORM. 

This is confined to the bowels and urinary organs, 
either in all at one time or separately. The bowels are 



166 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

costive, and streaked with mucus, and may be discolored. 
In the fatal stages, diarrhoea may succeed, this occurring 
just before the animal dies. The first symptoms are a 
short, hacking cough, some difficulty in breathing ; un- 
steady walk ; high fever ; the animal will arch its back 
and paralysis will result. 

For treatment of this form we recommend, as the 
only necessary remedy, Pratts Food in gruel form (as 
mentioned on another page), in case the animal is too 
sick to eat ; if not, it can be mixed with the food, and 
between feeds given in gruel form. Injections of warm 
soap-suds, to which add half an ounce of solution of 
carbolic acid can be given. Another recipe, given as 
per our note on page 58, is calomel, as a cathartic, in doses 
of one scruple every six hours until the bowels are moved. 
Also, five drops of tincture of aconite on the tongue in 
early stages. After the calomel has been effective, give 
the following three times daily, using the aconite between 
the doses : One-half ounce Hyposulphite of Soda ; one 
scruple Chlorate of Potassa. Mix with molasses to make 
a mass. 

QUINSY. 

This is termed by some as another form of hog 
cholera ; and sometimes assumes an epidemic form 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 157 

similar to distemper in young horses, and is fatal to a 
large number of young pigs, as well as older hogs. In 
this fatal form it is termed hog cholera, but differs from 
it in not being so malignant The symptoms are the 
swelling of the glands under the jaw ; oppressed breath- 
ing ; difficulty in swallowing. In the later stages the 
neck is badly swollen, the tongue protrudes and death 
is caused by choking. The swelling sometimes takes a 
gangrenous form. It is caused by exposure to sudden 
changes of temperature ; or by bad food, impure water 
or filthy enclosures ; and mortification at times sets in, 
which may cause death in a few hours. Hogs piling up 
around an old hayrick on cold nights will often be the 
cause. The ones underneath become so warm, that 
when routed out in the morning, the cold air striking 
them, the sudden change will produce inflammation of the 
lungs, quinsy, diphtheria, which, in a fatal form, become 
nothing more or less than hog cholera. Young pigs 
often get quinsy. They should be kept warm, clean 
and in well-ventilated pens ; plenty of straw, and mess 
of gruel three times a day, in which stir the usual 
quantity of Pratts Food. If the bowels are constipated, 
Pratts Food is all that is necessary, given in gruel form 
if too sick to eat; otherwise, mixed with the food in large 
doses to move the bowels freely. It may be well at first 



158 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

to give in gruel form, so as to move bowels quickly. 
An ounce of castor oil to each pig can be added. In bad 
cases, to grease the throat well with equal parts of cod- 
liver oil and turpentine is good, no matter what remedy 
you use otherwise. Also, a deep cut into the tumor, 
from two to four inches long, and deep enough to reach 
the seat of the disease, will relieve it. The diet should 
be a thin gruel, in which a teaspoonful of turpentine can 
be stirred. 

Another recipe given, as per our note on page 58, is : 
Four grains of Tartar Emetic ; six grains of Ipecacuanha ; 
six grains of White Hellebore. Mixed together for older 
hogs, and half this dose for young pigs. 

Three or four drops of tincture of aconite, when 
dropped on the tongue every two hours, is said to be 
very excellent. However, in this disease, as in all 
others, we have been most successful in the use of Pratts 
Food alone. 



DIPHTHERIA. 



This happens more frequently than most people 
suppose, and is a contagious disease, taking an epidemic 
form ; sometimes called a form of hog cholera. It 
attacks both young pigs and old hogs. It is produced 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 159 

by filthy pens or wet pastures. The symptoms are 
sudden sickness, dull appearance, loss of appetite, weak- 
ness, feverishness, stiffness of back and loins, crouching 
walk with head raised, mouth dry and open, hoarse 
grunt, livid tongue and difficult breathing. The throat 
is red and swollen and covered with grayish-white 
patches, extending to the air passages. Pieces of false 
membrane are coughed up. The animal lies down, or 
sits on its haunches, or leans against a fence while 
coughing, and generally dies during the coughing 
spells. 

We state, as mentioned before, that Pratts Food, 
used as directed, has been most successful. Adopt the 
gruel form mentioned in previous diseases, and after- 
wards mixed with the feed. According to note, on 
page 58, we mention the following : Give each hog a 
spoonful of chlorate of potash in a small quantity of 
milk. Move the sick hogs to dry quarters, and give 
each hog daily the following : Two drachms Sulphite of 
Soda ; one drachm powdered Castor Bean ; five drops 
Solution of Carbolic Acid. 

To those who eat, it can be given with the swill. 
For the others, it can be mixed with molasses and 
smeared on the back of the tongue. Make a small swab 
of sheep-skin, and swab throat out twice daily with 



160 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

following : One ounce Chlorate of Potassa ; two fluid 
drachms Solution of Carbolic Acid. In one quart water, 
well mixed. 

Flour of sulphur, sprinkled in the throat, is good. 
Warm, sloppy food should be given, to which may be 
added chlorate of potash in teaspoonful doses. 



CONSTIPATION. 

Do not allow the pigs at any time to become con- 
stipated. A feverish condition arises from it, developing 
into some inflammatory disorder. The food should be 
changed, from time to time, green food being the best. 
Many people resort to Epsom salts ; but the after effect 
is to constipate them more than ever; the best thing 
known to regulate the bowels is Pratts Food, mixed with 
the regular feed. 

SCOURS IN PIGS. 

This may attack one or two out of a litter, or a 
whole litter when one or two days old. It seems to be 
an indigestion, caused by what the sow has eaten, or by 
the method of feeding her. Frequently, too much green 
clover or other green food will do it, or feeding dry corn, 
or musty, decayed food. While this affects the pigs, the 
sow is not disturbed by it. By feeding Pratts Food, this 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS y SHEEP AND HOGS 161 

will not occur, and it rapidly improves their condition. 
However, as per our note on page 58, we mention the 
following remedy: A teaspoonful of sulphur to the 
sow, in a little milk twice a day. If the pigs seem to 
suffer too much, give twice daily, with a teaspoon, two 
or three drops of laudanum in sweet cream. Change the 
mother's food, and see that it is of good quality. Keep 
the pigs warm and closely penned. Do not allow them 
to run or exercise themselves more than can be helped. 
Keep pen clean and scald out trough with boiling water 
and lye. With proper care, the disease will disappear. 
If the pigs are old enough to eat, a few drops of solution 
of carbolic acid, added to their food will be a good thing. 



CATARRH. 

This develops slowly and is not noticed at first. It 
inflames the mucous membrane of the nose passages. It 
is supposed to be hereditary. The appetite fails, the 
animal becomes poor and has a fever. It is a disease 
which is not often seen ; is of a scrofulous nature, often 
terminating in consumption. The animal should be 
kept dry, and given milk, boiled food, oat-meal gruel, 
boiled barley, mashed fruit, cabbage, etc.; food which 
does not require chewing is what it wants. If the 
bowels are constipated, first give Pratts Food in gruel 



162 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

form. We mention as per our note on page 58, as fol- 
lows : Half an ounce of Glauber salts and a drachm of 
saltpetre mixed with honey, smeared well back on the 
tongue. Give three times daily, every other week, the 
following : One-half drachm of Sal- Ammoniac ; eight 
grains of Camphor. Mix with a little molasses and smear 
on the tongue. 

COUGH. 

This is a local irritation and by many claimed again 
as a form of hog cholera. It is caused by an obstruction 
of the lungs. Pratts Food, fed first in gruel form if 
the animal is costive, is a sure remedy ; the throat and 
lungs should be rubbed with a strong liniment and the 
animal kept well blanketed ; but we mention another 
remedy, as per our note on page 58 : Powdered castor 
bean, in two or three drachm doses ; mixed with molasses 
and smeared on the back of the tongue. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

This is caused by sudden changes, exposure to 
storms, piling of hogs during cold nights. The hog 
will take shivering fits ; is dumpish and drawn up in a 
heap ; loses its appetite, with short breathing. The 
disease is generally accompanied with a cough that is 
deep and hoarse; also constipation. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 163 

Pratts Food should be given first in double quantity 
in gruel form ; then reduce to the regular amount ; the 
throat and lungs rubbed with a strong liniment. In 
all swine diseases the sick hogs should be separated 
from the rest of the herd. The diet should be warm 
gruel, water slops, sour milk, etc. An injection of warm 
soap-suds can be given . As per our note on page 58, we 
mention the following : A half to two drachms of salt- 
petre, and one to three ounces of Glauber salts, accord- 
ing to the size of the animal. After six hours, throw a 
powder of the following on the tongue three times a 
day : Twelve grains Tartar Emetic ; twelve grains 
powdered Opium ; one and one-half ounces Saltpetre, 
Mix, and divide into eight powders. 

After the hog appears better and inflammation sub- 
sides, half-drachm doses of sal-ammoniac, thrice daily 
for a few days, will prove beneficial. 



INTESTINAL WORMS. 

These are noticed by the hog being unthrifty and 
having a big appetite. They cough, the bowels are 
loose, and they start from their sleep with a sharp cry 
and often scream before feeding-time, as if starved. 
Vomiting and choking fits occur from the worms get- 
ting in the throat. Pratts Food, mixed with their regu- 



164 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

lar feed, will cure them. As per note on page 58, we 
mention : Two drachms of oil of turpentine in milk for 
six mornings in succession, followed by a purgative of 
one scruple of calomel to each hog, is said to be a good 
remedy ; but the only treatment necessary in this, as in 
other diseases, is the proper administration of Pratts 
Food. 

KIDNEY WORMS. 

It sometimes produces paralysis of the hind quarters. 
It is seldom fatal, and generally affects more than one 
hog in a herd. Pratts Food, mixed with the regular 
feed, will prevent or cure kidney worms. Rub the loins 
with spirits of turpentine every other day. As per our 
note on page 58, we mention another remedy, as follows : 
A solution of arsenic in half-teaspoonful doses morning 
and evening, every other week for several months. 



PARALYSIS OF THE HIND QUARTERS. 

This is sometimes caused by worms in the kidneys. 
The animals show a weakness in the back, and often get 
up and run in a straight line quite fast, swinging to one 
side for a while and then go over to the other side; finally 
get so bad that they fall over and can only drag them- 
selves about. The appetite is good until a few days 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 165 

before they die. Apply over the loins a liniment com- 
posed of one part of cantharides, two parts of olive oil 
and two parts of oil of turpentine. Pratts Food at first 
should be fed in gruel form ; reduce as the animal re- 
covers. In accordance with our note on page 58, we 
give the following : Three drachms of powdered castor 
oil seeds, and eight ounces of rye flour ; mixed in a quart 
of sour milk or thin gruel. Give this first thing in the 
morning ; and repeat once a week. The following may 
be given two or three times a day : Four grains of pow- 
dered Nux Vomica, one-half drachm of powdered Anise 
Seed ; one-half drachm of powdered Ginger. Mix with 
a little molasses and smear well back on the tongue. 



BUND STAGGERS. 

Generally noticed by inflamed eyes. Bowels are 
constipated, and pulse hard and quick. The animal 
runs about wildly, mostly in a circle ; the breathing is 
labored, and the animal frequently dies in a fit of this 
kind. It is often caused by indigestion ; feeding dry 
corn to young pigs when they should have a sloppy diet. 
Frequently, costiveness attends the other symptoms. 
Pratts Food should be given in gruel form in large doses, 
gradually reducing as the animal becomes better. Warm 
soap-suds can be injected in the bowels to get a quick 



166 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

action. Cold water should be thrown over the head, and 
turpentine or kerosene oil rubbed in well along the spine. 
Pratts Food is an invaluable remedy for blind staggers, and 
where pigs are fed constantly, it is never known to occur. 



PROTRUSION OF BOWKI<S IN PIGS. 

This trouble is often caused by diarrhoea and weak- 
ness. Wash the parts well with water ; then apply 
sugar of lead and water — a drachm of the lead to a pint 
of water, to which add a small quantity of laudanum ; 
then gently press the part back, pushing up the finger a 
short distance. Three to five drops of laudanum may 
be given to each suckling pig to alleviate the pain. 
Pratts Food, fed in the regular feed, strengthens these 
parts and effects a permanent cure. 



PILES 
Are known by blood passing off with the movement 
of the bowels, or blood stains around the anus. The 
disease is generally considered hard to cure. We would 
advise a change of food, such as sour milk, and espe- 
cially light, digestible things for a hog in this condition. 
Injections of vinegar and water is good. Pratts Food, 
fed regularly, will cure them. Our note mentions, on 
page 58, we would give other endorsed recipes, so we 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 167 

mention : Sulphur, with cream of tartar, or castor oil in 
moderate doses. If the anus is swollen, apply vaseline 
or cosmoline. 

RHEUMATISM. 

This is shown by stiffness in the animal. Pratts 
Food is invaluable, but as per our note on page 58, we 
give the following : To move the bowels, three drachms 
of pulverized castor bean, to which may be added ten 
grains of opium, to relieve the pain ; mixed with molasses 
into a mass, and smeared on the back of the tongue. 
Then give the following : One scruple Colchicum ; one 
tablespoonful Bicarbonate Soda. Mix with molasses 
into a mass, and smear on back of tongue night and 
morning. 

APOPLEXY. 

This is practically a fat hog disease. They are 
dumpish, out of sorts, and drop as if shot, and appear 
dead, all except heavy breathing. The hog should be 
bled at once. Tie a cord around the foreleg above the 
foot ; then the artery can be seen to fill above the knee 
on the inside of the leg. Open it with a sharp knife, 
and a pint to a quart of blood should be taken. If the 
hog comes to, as soon as possible move the bowels by 
injectipn ? and give large doses of Pratts FQod in gruel 



168 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

form. Then feed light food for some days. Pratts Food 
will prevent this disease. 



SCROFULA. 

This is shown by weak joints in young pigs in walk- 
ing. Ulcerations often appear near the joints. They 
frequently have diarrhoea, and the urine dribbles through 
the navel string. In older pigs it takes the form of 
consumption, and the lungs become diseased. This is a 
hard thing to cure. Cod-liver oil given daily and Pratts 
Food as a tonic is about as good a remedy as we know of. 



TO PREVENT PIGS FROM EATING THEIR YOUNG. 

This is very frequent in some sows, and, if pre- 
vented, they will sometimes keep their milk up, so that 
the pigs die of starvation. When this is not due to a 
diseased uterus, a mixture of ten to twenty grains of 
spirits of camphor, with one to three of tincture of 
opium, poured into the ear, will cause the sow to lie 
down and remain quiet for several hours, (the effect of 
the opium,) after which she will be rid of her feelings 
towards the young. Very often by rubbing the pigs 
with brandy, it will prevent the sow from eating them; 
and also put some brandy on the nose of the sow 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 169 

herself. The best thing, however, is to feed Pratts 
Food prior to the birth of the pigs, which loosens the 
bowels and puts them in proper shape, preventing 
costiveness, reducing all fever, and acts as a mild tonic. 



UCE. 

Apply all over the body, one part benzine, six parts 
soft soap and fifteen parts water ; mixed thoroughly and 
applied with a stiff brush. Another remedy is a gallon of 
kerosene to five gallons water, and apply the same way. 
The hog pen should be thoroughly cleaned and disin- 
fected with carbolic acid or whitewash. After the pen 
is once infected with these lice, it takes a long while 
and hard work to get rid of them. Lard oil, smeared on 
every hog, is good ; but twenty-four hours afterward, they 
should be well washed with soft soap and warm water. 



MANGE. 

This is caused by an insect, which must be killed in 
order to cure the disease — not only on the pigs, but in 
the pens and surroundings, or wherever the pig rubs 
against. Coal oil is a good thing, rub well with it. 
Mange is shown by small red blotches or pimples, which 
spread. Some people give sulphur and cooling foods. 



170 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

The pig should be washed with soap-suds, and, as soon 
as dry a good coating of the following : One quart of 
Whale Oil ; one-half drachm of Carbolic Acid Crystals. 
Stir them well together, and wash off the day following. 



PREPARATION 

OP 

FOOD 



CHAPTER X. 

GENERAL REMARKS. 

Farmers have different opinions on the 
subject of cooked food as an advantage 
for fattening pigs. The best results, 
however, are on the side of the raw diet. Conveniences 
and extra labor are necessary to cook the food, and noth- 
ing is gained by it. If pigs thrive and fatten as well 
without it, it is not wise for the farmer to incur extra 
expense in adopting the cooked system. For little pigs 
and suckling sows, warm food in winter is a comfort ; but 
that is all, as it does not add to the nutritiousness of food. 



. The pig is not naturally stubborn and 
DISPOSITION | ' . * a , . ' 

obstinate, as some think. It can be led 

by the right man with the right method. It is quick to 
appreciate kindness, and, when this is used, requires 
neither kicking or beating to make it docile and obedient. 
The man who employs harsh measures soon makes the 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 171 

whole herd stubborn. It is remarkable to see how, if 
well cared for and comfortable, pigs gain habits that are 
quiet and desirable. At their regular time of feeding, 
when allowed to run in the yard, they will separate and 
each go to its own pen just as the cow or horse will to 
their stalls. 



COLD 
WEATHER 



Pigs in covered pens will eat more and 
grow faster in winter than those kept in 
the unsheltered pens of the ordinary 
barnyard. Pigs born in winter, unless carefully pro- 
tected, often die from cold within the first twelve hours. 
The sow is a good mother, and the little pigs gain warmth 
from contact with her body ; but in severe weather this 
is not enough. The sow and her young should be covered 
with a horse blanket, and if she objects, rubbing the 
teats gently, and speaking to her kindly, will usually 
make the second attempt successful. When the mother 
does not give sufficient milk or dies when the pigs are 
first born, with a little patience and effort they can be 
taught to nurse from a bottle. Milk warm from the cow 
can be given in this way, until they are able to eat from 
a little trough. If a sow gives a scant supply of milk, 
it may be increased by giving quantities of weak oat- 
meal gruel, in which a few scraps of meat are boiled to 



172 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

make it slightly greasy. Regular rations of Pratts Food 
will cause a large supply of rich milk, if fed both before 
and after the pigs are born. 



, Pigs grow faster when given milk with 
FEEDING | & & * 

their food, although they must have fresh 



water every day as well. Feed regularly, both in time 
and quantity. It is not profitable to give double the 
amount of food that can be eaten at once, and when it 
is time for the next feeding, let it go by without any 
rations. Pigs will not thrive and fatten well, so treated, 
and the waste food will make the pork produced, cost 
much more than when gained by systematic feeding. 
Beets make an excellent food for pigs, and more espe- 
cially sows when suckling in the early spring, before 
they can be put in pasture. Pigs will eat green or ripe 
peas greedily, and it pays to feed them whenever they can 
be procured as cheap as corn, because they make richer 
manure. Half peas and half corn many farmers think 
better food than either article when used alone. Bran 
is not of any great value for fattening pigs, unless mixed 
with Pratts Food in the usual amount ; but in this way 
is fed with excellent results along with other feed. Par- 
snips, potatoes and turnips can be profitably raised by 
the farmer for winter feeding. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 173 



JEALOUSY 
IN THE HOG 



It is claimed that all animals are jealous, 
and certainly the pig is not an exception, 
as is proved by a curious method some- 
times adopted. When the farmer desires to fatten a 
hog quickly to extreme size and weight, as a prize 
winner at an exhibition or county fair, he depends upon 
this trait to assist in accomplishing it. At each feeding, 
the hog is given all it will eat ; and when fully satisfied, 
more food is put in the trough, and a little, half-starved 
pig is let into the pen. The fat pig makes a glutton of 
itself, fearing that the poor squealing visitor will share 
the meal. If the little pig is to be considered, this is 
rather a cruel plan. 



PRATTS 

FOOD FOR 

HOGS 



We have endeavored to make plain the 
advantage of Pratts Food to hogs. The 
experience of feeding it for years by the 
most prominent pig-raisers in the United States and 
foreign countries, fully justify us in strongly urging a 
test of its qualities. If intelligently fed as instructed, 
the profit will be even greater than is claimed in this 
book. It is well to remember that it is not an experi- 
mental article, but that it has a long standing reputation 
of the highest possible merit. 



INDEX. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS. 



Abortion in Cows, 73 

Aphtha (sore lips and tongue), . . 78 

Ayrshire Cow, illustration of, . . . 8 

14 " description of, . . . 9 

Belted or Blanketed Cow, 10 

Bladder, Inflammation of, .... 72 

Bowels, Inflammation of, 68 

Breeds, choice of, 27 

Breeds of Cows 8 

Breeding and Feeding, 27 

Breeding, general instructions, . . 26 

Breeding Periods, 28 

Brewers' Grains, 14 

Bronchitis, 64 

Bull, The, 29 

Butter, packing and salting, ... 46 
Butter, preparing it for market, . 45 

Butter Test, 15 

Butter Value of Cows, 26 

Calf, raising the, 31 

Calf, removing from the cow, . . 30 
Cans and boxes for shipping milk, 54 
Centrifugal Creamer, illustrated 

and described, 35 

Choking, 71 

Churning, 43 

Churns, 43 

Colds, 65 

Colic, 70 

Cooling Closet, • 43 

Cow Pox (Variola), 77 

Cow, self-sucking, 58 

Cow Shed, open, illustrated and 

described, 22 

Cows, vices of, 57 

Creameries, private and stock, . . 49 
Creamery, modern, illustrated, . . 49 

Cream Gauges, 14 

Cream, methods of separating, . . 35 

Dairy, An Ideal, 45 

Dairy Buildings, 18 

Dairy Cow, Diseases of, 61 

Dairy Cow, The, II 

Dairy Cows, The Best, 51 

Dairy Duties, 25 

Dairy Farming, General Remarks, 5 



Dairy Farm, Plan of, 6 

Dairymen, What they must know, 52 

Depraved Appetite, 79 

Devon Cow, 10 

Diarrhoea, scours, . . 68 

Dysentery, 69 

Family Cow, 21 

Feeding the Cow, 28 

Food for Cows, 11 

Garget, 76 

Grain Food, 13 

Grass for Cows, 12 

Herd, Forming a, 7 

Holstein Cow, Description of, . . . 9 
Holstein Cow, Illustration of, See 
front cover. 

Hornless Cows, 11 

Ice, 48 

Ice Houses 48 

Impure Air, Bad effects of, ... . 24 
Jersey Bull, Illustration of, See 

back cover. 
Jersey Cow, Description of, . . . 9 
Kicking, How to prevent, .... 57 
Kidneys, Inflammation of, .... 71 

I,ungs, Inflammation of, 62 

Mad Staggers 67 

Milk and Cream Rules, 33 

Milk, Bloody, 76 

Milking Bucket, 41 

Milk Cellar, illustrated and de- 
scribed, 37 

Milk, Cooling, 53 

Milking, Directions for, 25 

Milk, Diseased, 55 

Milk Fever, 74 

Milk House, 38 

Milk, How to ship, 53 

Milk, Leaking of, 76 

Milk Route, 53 

Milk Sickness, 56 

Milk, Straining the, 33 

Milk Test, 15 

Milk Tests, Value of, 34 

Milk, Watery, 55 

Packing Bucket 47 



INDEX 



ii 



Pan, Dairy, 41 

Paunch, Overloaded, 66 

Pen, Model Calf, illustrated and 

described, 31 

Pleura-Pneumonia 77 

Pleurisy, 63 

Pratts Food, Composition of, . . . 59 
Pratts Food for Cows, Value of, . 12-28 

Pratts Food for curing diseases, . 58 

Pratts Food, Gruel form, 60 

Pratts Food, How to Feed, .... 59 

Profitable Cows, 25 

Profitable Crops, 12 

Read Carefully, -58 

Red Water, 73 

Rotating Shelves, 42 

Salt, 16 

"Schwartz" Method, 35 

Scours in Calves, 70 

Short Horn Cows, description of. . 8 

Short Horn Cow, illustration of, . 7 



Stable Cleanliness, 22 

Stable Flooring, illustrated and 

described, 19 

Stable for Cows, Horses and Chick- 
ens, illustrated and described, . 21 
Stable, Pen and Yard, illustrated 

and described, 18 

Stalls, illustrated and described, . 21 

Stocking the Farm, 6 

Swiss Cow, 10 

Teats, obstructed, 79 

Test of Foods (digestibility), ... 14 

Utensils, Dairy, 40 

Variety of Food, 13 

Ventilation in the Stable, 23 

Water Cistern, illustrated and de- 
scribed, 17 

Water Supply, • 16 

Womb, Inflammation of the, . . 75 
Worms, 71 



PRATTS POINTERS ON SHEEP. 



Aphtha, 108 

Bladder, Inflammation of, ... . 108 
Bowels, Inflammation of, .... 106 

Breeds, American, 91 

Breed, Improved Kentucky, ... 95 
Breeds, Mutton producing, .... 97 

Breeds, Wool bearing, 96 

Breeding, Care of sheep while, . . 95 

Bronchitis, 101 

Buildings, Description of, .... 86 

Catarrh, 103 

Cleanliness and Comfort, 97 

Constipation, 103 

Cotswold Breed 94 

Diarrhoea, 105 

Dog Guards 84 

Ewe, Care of, 95 

Ewes, Hurdle for, 96 

Feed Racks, Portable, 88 

Feeding, Regularity in, 90 

Foot Rot, 107 

Garget, ... 104 

Grasses for sheep food, 83 

Hurdle, Portable 88 

Hurdle, Stationary, 87 

Lamb, Creep, 99 



Lambs' Diseases, 111 

Lambs, How to Feed, 98 

Louse, Sheep, no 

Lungs, Inflammation of, 102 

Merinos, American, 92 

Merino Ram, See back cover. 

Mutton Sheep, 92 

Netting, for Sheep, 87 

Pining, 107 

Pleurisy, 101 

Poison Laurel, no 

Pratts Food for Sheep Diseases, . 58 

Ram, How to Choose, 95 

Rheumatism, 105 

Roots, Selection for Feeding, ... 90 

Scab Mite, .... 109 

Shed for Sheep, 84 

Sheds for a Few Sheep, 89 

Sheep, Care of, 84 

Sheep, Cross Bred, 91 

Sheep Diseases, Pratts Food for, . 58 

Sheep Farm, Choosing, 82 

Sheep Raising, Origin of, 81 

Sick Sheep, Pratts Food for, ... 85 

Southdown Breeds, 93 

Tick, Sheep, 109 



Ill 



INDEX 



Tuberculosis, 104 

WaterSupply, 83 

Weaning Lambs, 99 



Winter Poods, 89 

Worms, in 



PRATTS POINTERS ON HOGS. 



Apoplexy, 167 

Berkshire Breeds 119 

Blind Staggers, 165 

Boar, Care of, 124 

Bowels, Inflammation of, 155 

Bowels, Protrusion of, 166 

Breeding and Rearing, 130 

Breeds, American, 119 

Breeds, Definition of, 116 

Breeds, Degeneration of, 122 

Breeding Time, 142 

Catarrh, 161 

Cheshire Breed 127 

Chester County Whites, 127 

Cold Weather, Pigs in, 171 

Constipation, 160 

Cough, 162 

Diphtheria, 158 

Diseases, Prevention of, 149 

Early Maturity, 116 

Eating Their Young, How to Pre- 
vent Pigs from, 168 

Essex, Improved, 121 

Farm, Value of Pigs on, 136 

Fattening Pigs, 139 

Food, Preparing the, 170 

Food Supply, How to Keep it, . . 147 

Garbage Tub, 147 

Grain Farm, Value of Pigs on, . .137 

Hog Cholera, 149 

Hog Cholera, Putrid Sore Throat 

Form 154 

Hog Cholera, Pratts Food for, . . .151 
Hog Cholera, Typhus Form, ... 152 
Hind Quarters, Paralysis of, . . . 164 

Improving the Stock, 136 

Jealousy in Hogs, 173 

Lice, 169 

little Pigs, Care of, .132 

Lungs, Inflammation of, 162 

MagiePigs, 128 

Mange, 169 

Model Pig, Description of, .... 118 

Model Pig Pen, 140 

Mothers, The Best, 130 



Odors from Pig Pen, 141 

Peas for Pigs, 137 

Pedigree, . 130 

Pen, Flooring for, 141 

Pigs, Average Weight of, 134 

Pigs, Disposition of, 170 

Pigs, Food for, 172 

Piggery, Up-to-Date, 143 

Pigs, Management of, 135 

Pig Manure, Value of, 138 

Pigs, Natural Instincts of , . . . .114 

Pigs, Old English, 117 

Pigs, Proper Care of, 114 

Pig Raising near the City, .... 137 

Pig Raising, Profitable, 113 

Piles, 166 

Poland China 129 

Pratts Food Best for Pigs, 173 

Pratts Food, Excellent for Sow, . 131 
Pratts Food for Hog Diseases, . . 58 
Pratts Food for Pig Growth, ... 137 

Quinsy, 156 

Rapid Growth, 115 

Rheumatism, 167 

Scours in Pigs, 160 

Scrofula, 168 

Sow, Care of After Birth of Pigs, . 135 

Sow, General Care of, 130 

Sow, Thoroughbred, 125 

Suffolk Breeds, 120 

Thoroughbreds, Genuine, .... 123 

Thoroughbreds, Profit in, 126 

Troughs, Equal Sharing, 146 

Troughs, Feed, 145 

Trough, Separating, 146 

Trough, Swinging Door, 145 

WaterSupply, 142 

Weaning Pigs, 132 

Weight of Different Parts, .... 134 

Worms, Intestinal, 163 

Worms, Kidney, 164 

Yorkshire, Large, 121 

Yorkshire, Small, 121 

Yorkshire Sow, See front cover. 


















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I 





















